Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Source: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/business-partnerships-access-expertise/doc/knowledge-transfer-partnerships Parent: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/business-partnerships

Funded partly by UKRI Innovate UK, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) are a cost-effective way for organisations to tackle strategically important challenges, leveraging world-leading academic expertise and global talent.

Through the KTP scheme, a suitably qualified KTP Associate (graduate or postgraduate level) with relevant experience will be embedded in your organisation. Supported by a team of leading academic experts from the University of Leeds, they will translate the latest academic research into practical, real-world solutions that will accelerate growth and commercial or non-commercial success.

You can also access the University’s specialist research facilities through the KTP scheme.

Through KTPs, we have partnered with over 150 organisations, including Asda, THIS and VET-AI, to innovate and increase their competitive edge.

For more information about collaborating with us on a KTP, email the KTP team at ktp@leeds.ac.uk.

How Knowledge Transfer Partnerships work

Eligibility

To be eligible for a KTP, your organisation needs to be UK registered and of sufficient size (absorptive capacity) to support the project. This typically means your organisation would have at least four full-time employees.

We have worked successfully on KTPs with both large companies and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises, charities and some public sector organisations can also apply for a KTP.

Please email the KTP team at ktp@leeds.ac.uk to discuss if your organisation is eligible for a KTP.

Types of KTP

There are a few types of KTP:

• Classic KTP – open to organisations of all sizes and from all sectors (including charities and the third sector). Classic KTPs address strategically important technical, operational and technological challenges and develop new products and services through innovation. They deliver lasting impact (both commercial and non-commercial) to position your organisation for continued and future success.
• Management KTP (MKTP) – works in the same way as a Classic KTP but is focused on developing, delivering and embedding human-centred and/or technology-enabled strategic change through innovative management and leadership practices.
• Public Sector Management KTP (PS-MKTP) – open to most public sector organisations (such as the NHS, non-departmental public bodies and arm’s length bodies, local authorities, government-owned companies, nationalised industries, most trading funds and regulators). The focus is on transforming management practices  – like the Management KTP – to deliver best value for public funds.
• Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) projects – open to all organisations (except public sector organisations). The focus is on early feasibility studies to test and de-risk ideas as a pre-cursor to a KTP or other longer-term programmes. Typically, there is one application window for AKT projects per year.

Duration

KTPs can last between 12 months and 36 months, depending on the project needs. Management KTPs typically last 24 months.

Accelerated Knowledge Transfer projects are funded for three to four months.

Costs and funding

UKRI Innovate UK fund part of the cost of a KTP with a grant. Your organisation will fund the remainder of the project cost as a cash contribution. The percentage of the project cost you need to provide depends on the type and size of your organisation:

• SMEs: 33%
• Large organisations: 50%
• Third sector and charity organisations: 25%

You may be eligible for Research and Development (R&D) tax relief on your contribution to the cost.

Find out more about KTP costs on the UKRI Innovate UK website.

How we support you

When you collaborate with us on a KTP, we provide you with full lifecycle project development and project management support to get the most from our partnership. This includes:

• Discussing your strategic needs, determining the project scope and building a robust business case.
• Identifying world leading and innovative academics and matchmaking them with your organisation.
• Grant writing support to maximise the chances of securing funding and achieving your objectives.
• Coordinating the recruitment of a suitable and qualified KTP Associate who will be jointly selected by all parties.
• Project management of all the administrative requirements of the KTP scheme, including regular meetings and finances.
• Exploring ways of funding further work at the end of your KTP project.

How to apply for a KTP

The KTP scheme runs throughout the year with an application window opening every two to three months.

Email the KTP team at ktp@leeds.ac.uk to discuss collaborating with us on a KTP and find out more about the application process.

The UKRI Innovate UK website also has more information on applying for a KTP and deadlines for KTP applicants.

KTP success stories

We have a strong track record of success with our KTPs. We have:

• Worked with businesses on over 150 KTPs
• A funding approval success rate of 100% in the last five years
• Helped organisations secure over £20 million in funding for KTP projects

Watch our KTP video to hear how our academics collaborated with Asda, LBBC Technologies and Southern Broadstock to solve key challenges and make a difference to their customers:

Video transcript: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Case studies

• Vet-AI KTP: read how Vet-AI worked with our academics to develop AI technology that can triage a pet’s symptoms and reduce unnecessary visits to the vets.
• Lowell Financial KTP: read how Lowell worked with our academics to support the wellbeing of their client-facing colleagues, reduce absenteeism and employee grievances, and improve productivity.
• THIS KTP: read how THIS worked with our academics to produce a vegan egg substitute which achieved an annual revenue of over £1 million.