Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

This government-funded scheme connects UK employers with academic researchers and specialists who can help them solve strategic challenges, innovate and grow.

The partnership can involve developing new or improved products, processes and services. It can also support changes to business models based on novel ideas and technologies. 

Forming a partnership will give you access to leading research expertise and facilities at the university. And it will help you recruit a full-time, dedicated specialist known as an associate to lead the project in your organisation.

We aim to transfer knowledge, skills and capabilities to your organisation so you will be able to continue to innovate and grow once the partnership ends. 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are open to UK-based businesses of any size and any sector. That includes social enterprises, charities, and some public sector bodies. 

To be eligible, you must show: 

• you can afford project costs and the resulting investment 
• senior management support and business need 
• you have staff ready to exploit new knowledge and skills 
• management capacity to supervise and support the associate

Find out more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Costs

The partnerships are part-funded through Innovate UK.

Funding covers between 50% and 75% of project costs, depending on the type of organisation. Annual costs to employers are usually between £23,000 and £55,000.

Funding usually lasts between one and three years, depending on the needs of the business and the size of the challenge.