Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.