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
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme (KTP) is a leading programme funded by Innovate UK focused on commercialisation of innovation. A KTP will help your company succeed by connecting you to University of Leicester’s academic resources. It is a three-way partnership between:
- Your company seeking expertise to develop an innovation-based product, service or process.
- Our University providing the knowledge and expertise and
- A qualified graduate - known as an Associate – delivering and transferring the knowledge and expertise onto your company.
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 one and three years. Project costs typically are around £90,000 to £100,000 a year. The grant recipient is the university and a financial contribution from the company is required. Funding will cover project costs up to:
- 67% if you are a small or medium-sized business, i.e. a contribution of circa £30,000 per year from the company
- 50% if you are a large business
- 75% if you are a charity
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:
Knowledge Transfer Team
University of Leicester
Paul Corazzo - +44 (0)7827 954 567
Arnaud Drapier
ktp@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:
- Bulb Studios Ltd (PDF)
- Alcoa (PDF)
- Mackenzie Ward Research Ltd (PDF)