Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)?

A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business or not-for-profit organisation, an academic team and a qualified graduate. The project can last between 1 to 3 years.

Funded by Innovate UK and Research Councils, KTPs are an established and successful initiative to drive innovation and growth through the transfer of expertise from a university to an external business. They help you explore a new idea or strategy by adding the outside expertise you need. And with up to 75% of the project cost funded, KTPs take the risk out of your innovation strategy. 

From scoping through to funding wins, and recruitment of high-quality talent to project completion, we support our business collaborations every step of the way.

The KTP process

Follow our six simple steps below to help you understand if KTPs are right for your company.

1. Contact us

Tell us about the challenge facing your business or a project idea you have to drive innovation and growth. 

2. Introduction and scoping

Meet with our KTP team to discuss our research and the area of Essex expertise suitable for your project. Further meetings with our academic experts will help to shape a research agenda focused on delivering your desired outcomes.

3. Funding

Work with us to develop a funding application. KTPs are funded by Innovate UK and Research Councils.

4. Recruit

Together we'll recruit a high-calibre postgraduate who will be your research associate. They will manage the KTP project and will be based at your business.

5. Start

Start your one to three year project, support by the KTP team. You'll have regular catch-ups between your academic, Innovate UK and the senior contact in your business, ensuring the project remains on track.

6. Support

You will receive support throughout your KTP. Your business will the have the option to explore further university opportunities after your project to help you with commercialisation and embedding. 

The benefits of partnership

KTPs help you gain a competitive edge and ultimately improve profitability through:

• Access to highly qualified and motivated graduates 
• Innovative solutions to help your business grow
• Investment in research and development
• KTPs are eligible for R&D tax credits
• Receive expert support from application development to post award project management

The facts

• We're number 1 in the UK for active Innovate UK funded KTPs
• We have 50 active KTPs across 12 academic departments, schools and institutes
• Over 130 companies supported through KTPs since 2001
• Over 700 researchers are undertaking world-leading research
• Our KTP portfolio value is worth over £10 million

What our partners say...

Talk to us about KTPs today

Our ambitions match yours. We’re business-led and hands on. From scoping through to funding wins, from recruitment of talent through to project completion.

Speak to us today to find out how we can help you with an KTP or an alternative funding opportunity today.

Read about some of our industry partnerships