Knowledge Transfer Partnerships for business growth and innovation
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.
Why partner with Essex?
KTP success stories
What our partners say...
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"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."
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The KTP process
Follow our six simple steps to understand whether a Knowledge Transfer Partnership is right for your business.
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.
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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.
Essex has secured more Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership funding than any other university in the UK. Through this programme, you could receive funding covering up to 67% of your project costs. We will guide you through the entire process, drawing on a sector-leading track record of success. Each project is commercially focused and powered by the university’s world-class research expertise.
Knowledge Transfer Partnership: FAQs
What is a KTP?
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.
Who can apply for a KTP?
KTPs are open to businesses and a range of organisations. The right fit usually involves a clear strategic challenge, commitment from senior leadership, and the capacity to support and embed change.
How long does a KTP last?
Most projects run for one to three years. This timeframe allows you to deliver meaningful innovation and embed new knowledge into business-as-usual operations.
How much does a KTP cost? And who pays?
A KTP is part-funded through the programme, with the remaining cost covered by the business (or partner organisation). The exact split depends on the organisation type and the eligible cost model. We will guide you through budgeting and the funding application so you have clarity from the start.
What is the role of a KTP Associate?
The Associate manages and delivers the project within your organisation, acting as the bridge between academic expertise and commercial delivery. They bring dedicated focus, momentum, and capability building into your team.
Is a KTP suitable if we do not have a fully formed project brief?
Yes. Many partners come to us with a challenge or opportunity rather than a detailed plan. Our scoping process helps shape a project that is ambitious, deliverable, and aligned to your outcomes.
Not sure if you are eligible? Talk to our team
Let us help you make informed decisions and reduce the risk of innovation. We can help you scope your idea and assess if a KTP is the right route for your business.