Closing date: 14 Oct 2026
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme allows a UK registered business to partner with a knowledge base partner, which should be a UK higher education (HE) or further education (FE) institution, a research and technology organisation (RTO) or a Catapult.
The idea of the KTP partnership is to bring new skills and the latest academic thinking into the business partner to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project. The knowledge base partner recruits a KTP Associate to work on the project. The Associate has the opportunity to lead a strategic development within the business, gaining new skills and valuable experience.
Applications must focus on a specific, strategic innovation project that tackles one or more challenges faced by the business partner. The application must show:
- why the business needs this Knowledge Transfer Partnership
- what new knowledge is required by the business
- what new capabilities will be embedded as a result of the KTP
- how the project aligns with the Industrial Strategy
- what characteristics the business possesses that suggest it has high growth potential
Innovate is prioritising six Industrial Strategy sectors in the competition. These are Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital & Technologies and Life Sciences, of which several are potentially relevant to EBNet members.
Successful applications are part-funded as follows: Large companies may receive a grant contribution of up to 50% of eligible project costs, with the business paying the balance. Micro, small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs) may receive a grant contribution up to 67% of eligible project costs, with the business paying the balance. For full details on grant contributions, see the KTP project costs guidance. A project duration of 24 months is preferred.
For more details and to apply see HERE.
