Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a three-way collaboration. They are a government-funded programme through Innovate UK. They help businesses to improve competitiveness, productivity and performance.

We can help you bring innovative ideas to fruition through collaboration and in partnership with our University experts. Your project will have access to our knowledge, technology and skills supported by a qualified KTP associate.

We are here to help. We have a dedicated and highly experienced KTP team here at the University of Central Lancashire who can provide your business with support throughout the process.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base.

KTP is a partnership between your business and the University. If your business enters into partnership with us, we will:

Implement an agreed business project, from between 12 to 36 months, central to the strategic development of your business
Recruit a high calibre graduate, known as the ‘associate’, who is based at the company to deliver the project and help transfer our knowledge to your business
Provide joint supervision to the ‘associate’ through business and academic mentors

You will be working with University experts. The academic partner and associate bring new knowledge and skills to your company
You’ll get assistance in recruitment and selection; good graduates are often keen to work for a university and we will work with you to recruit the best
You’ll have access to wider University facilities and support including our flagship Engineering and Innovation Centre (EIC) which has the latest technology and specialist innovative equipment
A broad range of independent advice
KTPs have been around for 50 years and remain funded by the government. The scheme has a track record of initiating business growth
The cost is the same as recruiting a graduate or skilled worker (at around £25K per annum) and you would be eligible for Research and Development tax credits

KTPs are available to UK-based businesses of any size including not-for-profit organisations such as social enterprises and charities

On average the total annual cost of a KTP is £75k. A KTP will give your business access to help with funding of between 50-67% through Innovate UK making KTPs the perfect way to improve your business

A small to medium sized business contributes funding of around 33% of the total project costs
A larger business contributes funding of 50% of the total project costs
The budget covers the cost of employing a full-time ‘associate’ to work at the company on the defined project, half a day per week of academic consultancy and £6k per year for travel, consumables and training for the ‘associate’.

Need help to achieve effective management and leadership? Find out more about Management KTPs (mKTPs) and what they can do for your business.

Case studies

Silentnight's partnership with UCLan through a KTP has helped the company to futureproof its products and identified future stars for the business through collaboration with academia.
Monday 27 February 2023
Thanks to a KTP with UCLan and Manchester Metropolitan university, Swellaway has developed cutting-edge devices such as ProMOTION EV1 for use by athletes to get back to fitness.
Friday 12 November 2021
Harrison Spinks, in partnership with UCLan, completed a successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership based on unique patented micro-spring technology (MST).
Thursday 18 November 2021
By working with the University of Central Lancashire, Silentnight have cemented a new and dynamic evidence-based marketing approach.
Monday 22 November 2021