The government's Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) scheme provides funding for projects between UK universities and businesses.
KTPs support you to develop or create a new process, product or service and, most importantly, transfer that knowledge into your business to give you new capabilities.
If your business has an innovative idea but not all the in-house expertise needed to develop it, a KTP can help.
We match academics with businesses or not-for-profits to create innovation and generate wealth for the UK economy. A KTP will support your business to:
KTP is a UK-wide programme which has supported businesses for over 40 years. A KTP aims to improve competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Projects are part-funded by Innovate UK (formerly the Technology Strategy Board).
A KTP seeks to generate a profit for the business (typically £250 to £750K within five years) whilst creating an academic challenge.
Knowledge transfer is key to the KTP product, distinguishing it from traditional consultancy. Project partners work together to create new capability for the business. Knowledge is then transferred into the business for long-term profit generation.
Based at your business premises, a KTP Associate works full time on the project. Projects last between 12 and 36 months, depending on the business need. An academic supervises the Associate half a day a week.
Innovate UK administers KTP grant funding and the total package is worth £70-£85k per year. The business partner contribution to each project is dependent on the following factors:
Size of business*
Duration of project
Budget requirements
Costs cover:
KTP Associate salary
£2,000 per annum professional development budget
£3,750 per annum covering travel and consumables
Option to apply for an additional £10,000 consumables/travel budget
Up to £10,000 to cover the cost of facilities access
Half a day per week support from a Newcastle University academic
Access to state-of-the-art facilities at Newcastle University
Full administrative support from our dedicated KTP team
Project support provided by a Knowledge Transfer Network Advisor
*Costing example:
Small to medium sized enterprise (SME) - approx. £23-28K per year. This equates to 67% grant funding from the government.
Large business - approx. £35-42K per year. This equates to 50% grant funding from the government.
Our KTP portfolio spans a range of industries, cultural organisations, social enterprises and academic disciplines. We rank in the top ten for number of KTPs held, with 90% of our applications receiving funding.
Uniquely in the region, we have a dedicated KTP Unit that provides ‘cradle to grave’ project support. This makes us well positioned to increase the competitiveness of your business.
We will:
Appoint the best researcher to spearhead the project
Collaborate with leading academics in your chosen field
Explore options for a wider relationship for you with the University
