UKRI
Knowledge Transfer Partnership
Rolling deadlines throughout the year; check https://www.gov.uk/guidance/knowledge-transfer-partnerships-what-they-are-and-how-to-apply#dates-and-deadlines for latest dates
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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.
Details
| 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 |
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.
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.
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