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Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP): 2026 – 2027 Round 3

A university and a business share a graduate for a project neither could run alone.

OpenInnovate UKUnited Kingdom

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership pairs a UK knowledge base — a university, research and technology organisation or Catapult — with a UK business, and embeds new capability in that business. Round 3 shares up to £12.5 million.

Grants run from £75,000 to £750,000.

The knowledge base leads and submits the application, not the business. Your project has to say why the business needs it, what new kno

In scope: a specific, strategic innovation project tackling a challenge faced by the business partner. Your application must show why the business needs the partnership, what new knowledge it requires, what capabilities will be embedded as a result, how it aligns with the Industrial Strategy, and what makes the business one with high growth potential. Projects outside the six priority sectors are eligible but are not prioritised. UKRI and its councils, ARIA, and central government bodies are specifically excluded from applying.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.14 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.12–36 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£12.5M

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-202875Source: www.ukri.org