Knowledge Transfer Partnerships for business growth and innovation
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a three-way collaboration between your business, an academic team, and a qualified graduate (the KTP Associate). Projects typically run for one to three years and are designed to deliver commercially focused outcomes.
Funded by Innovate UK and Research Councils, KTPs are an established and successful knowledge transfer programme that helps organisations innovate and grow by transferring expertise from the University to your business. With a significant proportion of project costs supported through the programme, KTPs help reduce risk while strengthening your innovation strategy.
From scoping through to funding wins, and recruitment of high-quality talent through to project completion, we support our business collaborations every step of the way. You will also benefit from being connected to the wider KTP community and knowledge transfer network around Innovate UK supported innovation.
Why partner with Essex?
Benefits of KTP to your business
-
Access high-calibre talent
Bring in a motivated KTP Associate who leads delivery from within your business, supported by academic expertise.
-
Expert-led innovation
Solve a strategic challenge with specialist input from Essex researchers, turning new knowledge into practical outcomes.
-
Invest in R&D with lower risk
Build capability, tools, and intellectual capital with part-funded support, reducing the cost barrier to innovation.
-
Support from application to delivery
Get expert guidance from scoping and bid development through to post-award project management and reporting.
-
Competitive advantage and profitability
Strengthen products, services, and operations to improve performance and help you stay ahead in your market.
-
Eligible for R&D tax credits
KTPs can support your wider R&D tax credit position, depending on your circumstances and advice.
KTP success stories
What our partners say...
![Will Hitchcock]()
"Our partnership with the University of Essex and Innovate UK will give us the combined expertise to take our innovative technology to the next level, keeping our business at the forefront of this developing market."
)
The KTP process
Follow our six simple steps to understand whether a Knowledge Transfer Partnership is right for your business.
1. Contact us
Share your business challenge or innovation idea.
2. Introduction and scoping
Meet our KTP team to define your objectives and match you with the right academic expertise. Together, we shape a clear project plan.
3. Funding
Work with us to prepare a strong Innovate UK funding application and we'll guide you through all requirements and timelines.
4. Recruit
Together, we'll recruit a highly skilled postgraduate (your KTP Associate) to manage the project within your business.
5. Start
Start your one to three-year project, with regular support from the University and your Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Adviser. 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
Receive continuous guidance throughout your KTP, plus opportunities to work with Essex on commercialisation, scaling, and long‑term growth after the project ends.
Sectors we support
Read about our industry partnerships
We work with businesses and organisations of all sizes to deliver practical, commercially focused innovation through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and wider collaboration.
.png?h=250&w=500&crop=1&hash=31177FB04EED79D18440593E2F1C7688)
Funding for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
KTP funding is designed to make strategic innovation more accessible. Costs and grant contributions depend on your organisation type and the project’s eligible cost model, and we will help you scope and build a clear budget from the outset.
How it works: KTPs are part-funded. Innovate UK (or the relevant Research Council) covers a significant proportion of the costs via a grant, and your business pays the remainder. SMEs typically access a higher grant contribution than large organisations.
What is covered: The budget funds the KTP Associate’s employment package, academic supervision time, and project-specific costs such as travel, consumables, and essential equipment.
Governance and clarity: The programme structure includes regular financial check-ins and reporting, giving you full delivery oversight and budget control throughout the project.
For more funding options beyond KTPs, explore our business funding opportunities.