Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Unlocking the power of innovation

A little innovation can go a very long way. It can help you stay ahead of the competition. Start using better materials. Launch new products and services. It can help you develop more efficient ways of working. Upskill your workforce. But where will you find the right specialists to help you innovate? That's where Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) comes in, providing the links to the expertise you need to grow your business and gain a competitive edge.

Connecting you to innovation

KTP is a world-leading programme that helps businesses succeed by connecting them to the UK's rich academic resources. It's a partnership between the business seeking expertise, a university and a recently qualified graduate – known as a Knowledge Transfer Associate.

Transforming your business

To succeed, your project needs to be strategic and have the potential to transform your business. Your academic partner, the University, will provide the expertise and knowledge required to deliver the project. If your application is successful, an Associate will work to help bring your plans to life. The Associate will work on your site to embed the expertise of the academic team and bring their own skills to deliver a project which could mean anything from introducing new products to changing the company's direction.

Funding your project

Your project can last between 12 months and three years. If you're a small or medium-sized business, funding will cover two-thirds of the project cost, leaving an average of around £22,000 a year for your company to pay. If you're part of a larger company, funding will cover around half of the project cost, leaving an average of around £33,000 a year to pay. That's great value, especially as evidence show that businesses that invest in R&D grow twice as fast and have higher exports compared to non-innovators.

What our partners say

"Since the beginning of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, our relationship with the University of Leicester has gone from strength to strength and we continue to take advantage of the specialist knowledge, R&D and operational practices to inform the work we are doing." Jim Willis, MD, Bulb Studios

"We have found the KTP programme to be one of the most effective ways of working with universities. It provides us with a high calibre individual and also a strong support network from the University. The University of Leicester’s research had provided us with a good foundation and methodology for scheduling our processes." Steve Lowes, Technical Team Manager, Plate Production at Alcoa, Europe

Your journey starts here

If you want to grow your business through collaboration and innovation, KTP is the programme that has the power you need to get ahead of the competition. To find out more about how KTP can ignite innovation in your business, contact:

Mr Benoit Welch
Knowledge Transfer Executive
+44 (0)116 252 5864
bpw6@leicester.ac.uk

Further information

For further information about the KTP scheme, download the KTP Business Brochure (PDF)

You can also view KTP case studies involving the University of Leicester: