Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

What is a KTP?

Science research for business at Kingston University

A KTP is a part government-funded initiative enabling forward-thinking businesses to harness universities' expert knowledge, technology and research to help them improve their processes and products, via innovative projects.

How does a KTP work?

Company needs knowledge, academic has knowledge, associate transfers knowledge

KTP is a three-way partnership between a business, academic/research institution and a recently qualified graduate.

  • The graduate (known as an associate) is recruited to work on a specific strategic innovative project within the organisation for up to three years.
  • The associate is supported by an expert academic and a manager based within the organisation.
  • Projects need to demonstrate the potential for a high level of innovation and economic impact.

The programme is headed by Innovate UK, which offers a grant for up to 67% of the costs of the project.

Management KTP

Kingston University researcher at desk studying business forecasts

The new Management KTP works in the same way as a KTP and has a specific focus on management-based projects, linking in with one of the UK's Business Schools. For more information about Management KTPs, visit the KTP website.

Benefits of KTP and Management KTP

  • Businesses gain access to specialist expertise and innovative solutions with the potential to grow their business and increase their competitiveness and profitability. Read more about KTP for businesses
  • Graduates benefit from launching their careers by working on KTP projects as associates, which enables them to apply their degree to real business scenarios, under the guidance of expert mentors. In 2020/21, over 60% of KTP associates were offered employment at the end of their projects. Read more about KTP for graduates
  • Academics are able to apply their expertise in a commercial context, develop business-relevant teaching and research material and identify new research themes and student projects.

KTP at Kingston University

Kingston University has been facilitating KTPs since 1992 and has won a number of awards and received outstanding ratings for projects working with businesses from a range of sectors.

Cubic Defence UK Limited (Vocality)

Developing technology to assess the quality of available communication channels in real time and select the fastest or most cost-effective route.

Equas

Developing an environmental, health and safety legal compliance software tool and database for SMEs operating in the United Arab Emirates

Hampton Court Palace exterior

Hampton Court Palace

Redesigning the way that visitors experience the Tudor sections of Hampton Court.

Linguaphone Group Ltd

Developing a kindergarten curriculum for Pingu's International English School, run in over 20 countries.

Pangea Connected Ltd

Developing a cutting-edge 5G-enabled video streaming system that will allow A&E doctors to make life-saving decisions on patient care by viewing live footage from ambulances.

Places for People Leisure

Developing a nationally-agreed system for the quality assurance of exercise in managing age- and obesity-related chronic disease.

Salutem

Developing a sophisticated sensor system that will alert carers of people with autism and learning difficulties when urgent support is needed.

The Entryphone Company

Developing new wireless solutions allowing users to interact with their entry door and visitors through their mobile device or browser, from anywhere in the world.

Contact us and find out more

Business owner and university researcher meet to discuss project.

Please contact us if you would like further information about KTP at Kingston University.

For more detailed information about KTP and to view current job vacancies, please visit the UK Research and Innovation website and Innovate UK's KTP website.