About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

This government-funded scheme connects UK employers with academic researchers and specialists who can help them solve strategic challenges, innovate and grow.

The partnership can involve developing new or improved products, processes and services. It can also support changes to business models based on novel ideas and technologies. 

Forming a partnership will give you access to leading research expertise and facilities at the university. And it will help you recruit a full-time, dedicated specialist known as an associate to lead the project in your organisation.

We aim to transfer knowledge, skills and capabilities to your organisation so you will be able to continue to innovate and grow once the partnership ends. 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are open to UK-based businesses of any size and any sector. That includes social enterprises, charities, and some public sector bodies. 

To be eligible, you must show: 

  • you can afford project costs and the resulting investment 
  • senior management support and business need 
  • you have staff ready to exploit new knowledge and skills 
  • management capacity to supervise and support the associate

Find out more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Costs

The partnerships are part-funded through Innovate UK.

Funding covers between 50% and 75% of project costs, depending on the type of organisation. Annual costs to employers are usually between £23,000 and £55,000.

Funding usually lasts between one and three years, depending on the needs of the business and the size of the challenge. 

Dedicated, specialist support

You’ll get a new, full-time specialist working with your staff to accelerate your innovation journey.

Leading expertise

We have a large pool of passionate academics eager to turn their research insights into real-world impact.

Attract funding and scarce skills

Support from the government and a leading university injects investment, capability and capacity.

Secure your ideas

Our pragmatic approach gives you confidence in managing intellectual property and confidential data.

Get connected

As our partner, you’ll get access to Manchester Met’s impressive technical expertise and advanced facilities.

Support before you start

We provide a free, upfront service to develop ideas and create successful funding applications.

As a result of the KTP, not only did we develop ground-breaking technology, but the culture of the company was completely transformed.
Paul Carrington
Managing Director of Aquacheck Engineering
As a result of the KTP, not only did we develop ground-breaking technology, but the culture of the company was completely transformed.
Paul Carrington
Managing Director of Aquacheck Engineering

Who we work with

Our award-winning service is the top-ranked in the North West, and second in the UK. We have over 60 years of collective expertise in delivering successful Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Manchester Met has a long history of working successfully with industry. We partner with organisations of all sizes, from any sector, in Greater Manchester and beyond. Our partners value our deep knowledge of the scheme as well as our wide-ranging research expertise.

Strong regional links and passionate commitment help Manchester Met stand out. We provide dedicated support from the first conversation to the end of the partnership, helping drive success, impact and outcomes at scale.

Our partnerships cover the full spectrum of business challenges — from traditional management and leadership issues, to digital transformation and adapting to Net Zero. Nine out of 10 of our partners secure funding, helping to de-risk their innovation journey.

The Insights Family

The Insights Family

Logo of Nuffield Health

Nuffield Health

Vivo Barefoot

Vivobarefoot

What to do next

Once you’ve contacted us, we can help confirm your eligibility. 

You’ll have meetings with a funding adviser, and we’ll help you develop a proposal and detailed work plan.

Innovate UK will assess the funding proposal. If agreed, you’ll be able to sign the partnership agreement and recruit your associate.

At Manchester Met, we support you throughout this process. 

Our experienced, proactive team will guide and support project set-up activities. And when the partnership is up and running, we’ll help with the financial and project admin.

Learn more about becoming a KTP associate.

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