Knowledge Transfer Partnerships: Applications now open
Innovation fuels growth – but do you need outside expertise to make it happen? Apply for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership today
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)  links your organisation with one of the UK’s world-class knowledge bases (a university or research organisation) to power strategic innovation projects, embed expertise and drive commercial growth.
Right now there are over 700 companies participating in one of these funded partnerships. Each one has identified a strategic innovation project that needs the input of a specialist academic resource. By contacting one of our expert Knowledge Transfer Advisers, each company has then been guided through the KTP application process and, once the project has been scoped, matched with a relevant university or research organisation (Known as a Knowledge Base). A suitably qualified graduate (known as the Associate) is recruited who will lead the strategic innovation project. This completes the unique three-way partnership: your company, the Associate and the Knowledge Base. Supported by specialist knowledge and input from the Adviser throughout, the partnership works to deliver growth through innovation. And each partner benefits from this special collaboration.
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Applications for KTPs enjoy a success rate of around 90% and are welcomed from all sectors and from SMEs through to large enterprises and not for profit organisations. Scroll down for a case study.
To find out if a KTP could help your organisation realise strategic innovation, simply contact your local Knowledge Transfer Adviser: find your nearest Adviser here.
RSSB to become another co-funder of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
We are pleased to welcome the RSSB as a co-funder of KTPs.  The RSSB co-funding is focused on developing novel ideas for intelligent low-carbon traction energy solutions for both passenger trains and freight and the respective infrastructure implications.
For further information on the RSSB funding scope for KTPs and other funding opportunities, please visit the competition hub to access this information.  The RSSB launched this KTP funding at an event on Intelligent power solutions to decarbonise rail which took place on 30th October. You can watch the recorded webinar from the event here.
How to apply for a KTP
In the first instance find and contact your nearest Knowledge Transfer Adviser here.  They are based all over the country and will help you every step of the way.
Dates and deadlines
The KTP programme 2018 to 2019 is run continuously throughout the year. This table contains the full list of open and close dates.
Open date: 1 November 2018 РClose date: 12 December 2018
Open date: 13 December 2018 – Close date: 6 February 2019
Open date: 7 February 2019 – Close date: 20 March 2019
KTP Case Study
Knowledge Transfer Partnership helps Qioptiq Ltd, expand and grow its North Wales operation.
Qioptiq Ltd is part of the US-owned Excelitas Group which has operations throughout Europe, Asia and the USA. The company specialises in the design and manufacture of optical and photonics products and solutions that serve a wide range of markets and application. A recent Knowledge Transfer Partnership has helped the company expand and grow its North Wales operation:
In 2016, Qioptiq Ltd, entered into a two-year KTP with the Business School at Cardiff University to help it reduce operating costs and optimise stock levels for service contracts through a leaner supply chain and inventory forecasting. Find out more about what happened next.
You can download the full case study here: