Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

UK businesses of any size or sector that need to embed a specific, strategically significant capability that they cannot develop internally and that the academic partner genuinely has. Most powerful when the project requires sustained 1–3 years of focused work (e.g. introducing AI/ML, novel manufacturing processes, new materials, data science capability, regulatory science). Charities and not-for-profits can also participate.

A jointly developed project proposal signed off by company, knowledge base and Knowledge Transfer Adviser (KTA). Strategic rationale showing why the capability cannot be developed internally and how it will transform the business. Detailed work plan with milestones over 12–36 months. Evidence of academic partner's specific expertise and prior relevant work. Company financials demonstrating ability to co-fund and absorb. Letters of support and CV of the proposed academic supervisor.

KTPs run in regular Innovate UK competition rounds. Expect 3–6 months from first contact with a Knowledge Transfer Adviser to submission, plus assessment and Associate recruitment before the project formally starts. Plan for 6–9 months between deciding to pursue KTP and the Associate being in post.

An established SME with revenue, an experienced leadership team, and a strategic innovation that is blocked by a specific capability gap a university partner can credibly fill. Strong applicants usually have prior R&D activity, clear IP intentions, and a named academic supervisor before they apply.

- "It's a way to get a cheap graduate." It is not — the Associate is recruited to the project, paid market rate, and supported by both partners. - "We can run it without much academic involvement." Weekly academic supervision is required and assessed. - "It's a route for very small or very early companies." It is structurally demanding and best suited to established SMEs and mid-caps. - "We can pick any university." Fit and capability of the specific academic partner matters far more than institutional reputation.

Contact the Knowledge Transfer Network / Innovate UK Business Growth adviser for your region. They will help test whether KTP is the right vehicle and introduce or validate an academic partner. From there the application is built jointly with the university, submitted to an open KTP round, and — if successful — the Associate is recruited.

A successful KTP typically leads to one of three follow-on routes: (a) commercialising the innovation through a follow-on Innovate UK Smart Grant or Innovation Loan, (b) deepening the academic relationship via a further KTP or a Horizon Europe consortium, or (c) retaining the Associate as a permanent senior hire — a common and intended outcome that transfers the embedded capability into the business permanently.

For SMEs the grant typically covers around two-thirds of project costs, with the business contributing the balance in cash; large companies contribute a higher share. Costs cover the Associate's salary and development, academic supervision time, and associated project costs. KTP is not stackable with other UK grant funding for the same scope of work — plan your funding stack carefully. Confirm current subsidy rates on the UKRI / Innovate UK guidance pages before committing.