Knowledge Transfer Partnership

Improve your business and gain a competitive advantage by engaging with the expertise at Leeds Trinity.

Taking part in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) can benefit your business by helping solve a specific challenge that your business is facing by accessing academic expertise and resources that you don’t have in-house.

What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership?

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme creates a dynamic three-way partnership between your business, our specialist academic team and a talented graduate or postgraduate to help you gain a competitive advantage.

Who are they for?

They are available to any UK-based business of any size. This includes not-for-profit organisations such as social enterprises, charities and some public sector organisations.

How does it work? 

Each KTP creates a unique partnership between a business and the university to deliver positive impact and drive innovation. Every project is tailor-made for your business.

We will work with you to scope out a potential project and guide you through the application process. We will identify appropriate academic experts who will help with the project and we will recruit a dedicated KTP associate to deliver and manage the project for you.

Who funds it? 

The programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through Innovate UK, has been running for over 45 years.

KTP projects provide access to UK Government funding to support a project (up to 67% funding for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 50% for large businesses. In addition, R&D tax credits can be applied to expenditure on KTP.

What does it look like? 

There are two types of KTP - the standard KTP which was established in 1975, and the Management KTP (mKTP) which is a relative newcomer. Both have the same aim of helping businesses improve their competitiveness, profitability etc. 

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership can help your business with:

• Product development and innovation: Refining existing products and services or developing new ones.
• Process enhancement: Make efficiencies by developing new systems and frameworks.
• Developing and implementing a marketing strategy for new or existing markets.

How to apply – Tell us your business needs

To find out more about KTPs and the application process, please contact us by completing the contact form or emailing the Business Engagement team: [email protected].