Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Programme
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Programme is a United Kingdom government-funded initiative to help businesses innovate and grow. It links businesses with an academic institution such as a University or Further Education College, and a high-calibre graduate to complete a strategic innovation project.
This collaboration offers businesses access to new knowledge, cutting-edge technology and skills that can drive significant transformation.
There are different types of KTP, each addressing a specific need:
- Classic KTP focuses on developing new or better products and services
- Management KTP focuses on improving management practices within a business
This support is available to all Northern Ireland businesses but may be subject to some eligibility criteria.
The level of funding provided depends on the size of the business:
- Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) - up to 67 per cent of the project costs
- Large Businesses - up to 50 per cent of the project costs
In Northern Ireland, KTP projects are mainly funded by Invest NI and Innovate UK.
KTP projects typically range from 12 to 36 months, depending on the complexity and scope of the project.
Each partnership employs one or more recently qualified graduates to work in a company on a project of strategic importance to the business, supervised by the University or Further Education College. Through participation, companies can benefit from the expertise of academics and researchers, including the knowledge and skills of a graduate. The partnership also gives the University a better understanding of business needs, and graduates receive valuable industry experience and potential employment opportunities.
If you have an innovative idea for your business but don’t have the in-house expertise to develop it, a KTP will support you to:
- develop innovative solutions for your business
- increase your profits
- gain entry to new markets
- develop and grow new revenue streams
- Invest Northern Ireland
- Innovate UK