# Knowledge Transfer Partnership **Funder:** UKRI **Budget:** Part-funded grant; SME business contribution typically £35k/year, large company £50k+/year **Duration:** 12–36 months **Consortium:** Required — joint application by a UK-based business and a UK university, college, research organisation or Catapult, with agreement of a knowledge transfer adviser **Application:** Single stage; decision normally within 12 weeks of submission **Frequency:** Continuous **Eligible countries:** GB **Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/knowledge-transfer-partnership/ **Last verified:** 29 July 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Funds partnerships between UK businesses (any size) and UK academic/research organisations to deliver innovation projects via a graduate associate employed by the academic partner. Business must contribute to costs (associate salary, supervision). Application submitted by the academic/research partner. Open to any sector and innovation type. ## Summary The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) pairs UK businesses with academic or research organisations to employ a graduate whose expertise drives business innovation and growth. The scheme requires a structured industry-academia consortium and funds the placement over a defined period. KTPs run continuously with rolling deadlines, making them ideal for businesses and research institutions aligned on a shared problem. ## Who should apply - Businesses in any sector seeking to innovate through a graduate placement - Academic organisations, research organisations, or Catapults willing to partner with industry - Consortia with a concrete, shared research or innovation challenge - UK-based applicants (businesses and partners located in Great Britain) ## Key dates - Rolling deadline, apply at any time throughout the year - Continuous programme with no fixed application windows ## Tips for applicants - Frame the graduate's role as a bridge between organisational cultures; panels favour projects with clear learning pathways for the graduate and measurable outcomes for the business. - Establish the academic or Catapult partner's track record in knowledge transfer before submission; a named, committed supervisor or KTP manager strengthens credibility. - Structure the 18-36 month timeline with milestones that map to business growth metrics (e.g. patent filing, product prototype, process efficiency gain), not just academic publications. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership? A KTP funds a graduate placement in a business, in partnership with an academic or research organisation, to develop innovation and business growth. The graduate's skills and knowledge are applied to solve a specific business challenge. ### Who can apply for a KTP? UK businesses, academic organisations, research organisations, and Catapults can apply, but only as a consortium, a business must partner with an academic/research organisation or Catapult. ### Is the KTP open continuously? Yes, KTP has a rolling deadline; applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year. ### Can a single organisation run a KTP? No, a KTP requires a consortium of at least one business and one academic, research, or Catapult organisation. ### Does the KTP fund the graduate's salary? The scheme funds the graduate placement, but the eligibility and budget details are not specified in the current metadata; consult the UKRI KTP guidance for salary arrangements. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-knowledge-transfer-partnership-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).