Knowledge Transfer Partnership

About this grant

Helps businesses partner with academic organisations, research organisations or Catapults to employ a graduate with skills to help innovation and growth.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Businesses partnering with academic/research organisations or Catapults

What the funding covers

• Employment of a graduate to work on innovation project
• Partnership between business and academic/research organisation
• Support for innovation and business growth

How to apply

1. 1Each application must be led by a knowledge base working with a business
2. 2Check participating universities, colleges, research organisations and Catapults via find local advice
3. 3Businesses with existing knowledge base links should contact the KTP office of that institution
4. 4Businesses without a knowledge base partner should contact a local knowledge base directly
5. 5Local Knowledge Transfer Adviser (KTA) can help identify a suitable knowledge base partner
6. 6The best knowledge base partner may not be the geographically closest one
7. 7Consult the relevant regional adviser for guidance
8. 8Developing a KTP application requires close collaboration between business and knowledge base
9. 9Applications should be written clearly for assessors outside your sector
10. 10Explain project goals, challenges and innovation clearly in the application
11. 11Only the knowledge base can submit the completed application
12. 12All applications are supported by an Innovate UK-appointed Knowledge Transfer Adviser
13. 13The adviser provides guidance throughout the application process
14. 14The adviser may set milestones during application development
15. 15KTP funding is awarded competitively to the strongest projects in each competition round
16. 16Applications are reviewed by assessors experienced in knowledge exchange
17. 17Applicants are usually notified of outcomes within 12 weeks or less after competition closing
18. 18Successful partnerships receive a formal grant offer
19. 19After accepting the offer, partners can begin recruiting an associate
20. 20Associate recruitment is undertaken jointly by business and knowledge base
21. 21The associate is employed by the knowledge base

Application tips