Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)

What is a KTP?

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a UK-wide programme that helps businesses improve competiveness and productivity.

KTP projects have enabled business to benefit from the knowledge, technology and skills that reside within UK universities for over 40 years.

A KTP could help you improve your business performance, achieve innovative solutions to challenges and develop technology to drive growth within your organisation.

If you’re a company looking to benefit from business support and funding that provides you with knowledge and skills from academic experts and specialists, a Knowledge Transfer Partnership at Birmingham City University (BCU) could be the solution you’re looking for.

Business support and
funding to deliver R&D

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership with BCU will help you plan and deliver a research and development (R&D) project for your company. It will be a three-way collaboration between:

You and your business
A high calibre graduate or post graduate, known as a KTP Associate (recruited and employed by BCU to work within your business full-time)
BCU Academic Expert(s) assigned to mentor and support your KTP Associate (0.5 days a week) throughout the duration of you KTP

We (BCU) will work with you to plan your project and ensure it aligns with your business strategy and growth aspirations.

On your behalf, we will apply for your KTP funding from Innovate UK.

Together we will recruit your KTP Associate (we will fund the recruitment process and organise interviews at your premises).

Our academic experts and specialists will mentor and guide your KTP Associate and ensure your project delivers the agreed tangible benefits.

You will receive the business support you need for the duration of your KTP project.

Your bespoke project will be dependent upon your R&D needs and knowledge transfer requirements. Typically a KTP project lasts for 18 – 36 months.

How Will a KTP benefit me?

Receive strategic guidance from a dedicated team of business specialists and KTP Advisors
Gain access to Birmingham City University’s academic expertise, resources and facilities
Receive the skills your organisation needs to deliver agreed R&D activities from a full-time KTP Associate
Develop insight and a competitive edge through accelerated innovation
Embed new knowledge and expertise in your business
Expand capabilities to foster a culture of innovation
Explore opportunities for creating Intellectual Property (IP)
Increase revenue / profits through access to new markets, new product development, increased productivity and processes
Typically KTP projects deliver a minimum £500k+ value add for businesses
Achieve a KTP legacy that can be measured over 5 years, in addition to fast-tracked shorter term commercial impact during the project

How much will it cost me?

You will receive part funding for the KTP project from Innovate UK. The remaining project costs will be funded by your business.

- SMEs receive up to 67% of KTP project costs
- Larger businesses receive up to 50% of KTP project costs

How can I start a KTP?

If you’re a SME or larger businesses from any sector looking to develop a competitive edge from business support, funding and R&D activities with university experts and specialists, we invite you to enquire about a KTP at BCU. Please send us an enquiry and we will contact you to discuss how we can help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this service free of charge?

KTPs are part-funded by Innovate UK and Research Councils. The funding you will receive is contingent on the size of your business…

- up to 67% of KTP costs for SMEs

- up to 50% of KTP costs for larger businesses

Am I eligible to use this service?

If you are a UK-based business looking to fund the advancement of an innovative idea, then we welcome your application.

How long will I receive support for?

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership lasts between 18 and 36 months. The duration of support is dependent on your specific project requirements.

Where are you located?

If you are eligible for support, your account manager will work with you at your place of business.

What is "GBSLEP" and do I need to be located in this region?

"GBSLEP" stands for the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. As well as Birmingham and Solihull, the region covers Lichfield, Cannock Chase, Wyre Valley, East Staffordshire, Redditch and more.

Unlike some of our other business support services, there is no requirement for KTP members to be located within the GBSLEP region, although your business does have to be based in the UK.

I've made an enquiry, what next?

A member of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership team will review your enquiry and be in touch shortly.