Knowledge Transfer Partnerships: driving innovation

The mission of a KTP is to strengthen the competitiveness, wealth creation and economic performance of the UK by the enhancement of knowledge and skills and the stimulation of innovation through collaborative projects between business and the knowledge base.

KTP projects are not currently available for public sector organisations, however, these projects are a great opportunity for partners and organisations you work with across the private and third sector, regardless of their size.

A KTP partnership is a sum of three parts; a business partner, academic partner and associate.

Business partner: the business the project is supporting

Academic partner: the University supporting the project

Associate: key person working on the project managed by an academic with relevant expertise

A substantial part of the cost of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership is funded by a grant from Innovate UK or other government co-funders and can be applied for by the Knowledge Base partner making a submission that has been developed in partnership with the business partner.

The remainder of the project cost is met through a cash payment by the Business Partner.

Grant rates for project costs

• third sector and not for profit organisations: 75%
• small and medium-sized enterprises: 67%
• Large companies: 50%.

Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SEIC) is a centre of environmental innovation excellence, focusing on delivering net zero solutions and enabling clean economic growth.

It's a regional and national catalyst – growing environmental innovation capability, capacity and impact by:

• building strategic partnerships across industry;
• developing and embedding sustainable practices;
• growing the next generation of net zero businesses;
• creating a regional talent pool and opportunities for clean growth.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences is most closely aligned to the aims of the SEIC with its focus on finding solutions to global issues as fundamental as land, food and water.

The Faculty has a variety of scientific specialisms that may be employed by your business for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership project.

• Aquaculture: Tackling global problems of sustainable food security through innovative teaching and research.
• Biology and Environmental Sciences: Researching answers to critical questions about geography, biodiversity, biology, people and the environment.
• Computing Science and Mathematics: Combining cutting-edge research in predictive modelling and data science with their application in multiple domains.
• Psychology: Fostering original, world-class research addressing fundamental questions about the mind and behaviour.

The cost of a KTP is comparable to employing a well-qualified graduate, but includes so much more:

• Access to the exceptional resources of the University.
• A dedicated team to deliver a strategic project.
• Expert academic input bringing a breadth and depth of knowledge to support the graduate and the project.
• The consultancy of a highly experienced Knowledge Transfer Adviser who is there at every stage to support and help the project succeed.
• The partnership introduces new capabilities and embeds knowledge.
• The risk of developing the innovation project is shared with the government co-funders.
• The wider support and opportunities offered by links to the Knowledge Transfer Network – one of Innovate UK’s delivery partners.

Terms and conditions apply.