Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership

Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership is the UKRI-backed route that pairs a UK business with an academic institution and a KTP Associate to transfer specialist knowledge into commercial practice. It runs inside Innovate UK's business-facing portfolio and is open with no closing date, operating through multiple rounds each financial year. The record treats it as a core route for taking research expertise into a live company setting. The standard project lasts 12 to 36 months, with businesses contributing roughly one-third to one-half of costs; typical annual contribution is GBP 35,000+ for SMEs and GBP 50,000+ for large companies. The current round carries GBP 10 million, and lead applicants must be a UK higher education institution, further education institution, research and technology organization, or Catapult centre working with a UK registered business that has at least two full-time employees. The academic partner submits the application. Assessment looks at economic growth potential and societal impact, so the strongest proposals show a clear use for expertise the business does not already have in-house and a delivery plan that can turn that expertise into improved products, services, or productivity. The model rewards genuine collaboration: the business brings the commercial problem, the academic partner brings specialist knowledge, and the Associate carries that knowledge into day-to-day implementation.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.