We can work with companies in most sectors, including virtual UK based businesses and third sector organisations. Public sector organisations can apply for Management KTP only.

To be eligible for a KTP, the company must;

• be of sufficient size to support the project.
• have the financial capacity to make the required contribution to the cost of running a Knowledge Transfer Partnership
• be able to show that their project demonstrates Impact, Innovation, Challenge and Cohesiveness

The right people & culture are important elements for a successful KTP. The company should have;

• Buy in and direction from senior management
• A strategic business ambition / plan towards growth through innovation
• Enough relevant employees to embed the knowledge and exploit it
• Key personnel with enough time to support the KTP
• A commitment to partnership working, collaboration and growing talent
• Rapport … it’s a journey lasting several years.

The business requisites:

• Financially robust & able to afford the growth resulting from the KTP
• A stable trading position (core business with capacity to grow)
• Sufficient staff to ensure absorptive capacity and adequate supervision
• Adequate offices / facilities

Part of the cost of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership is funded by a grant from Innovate UK or other government co-funders that you apply for in a competitive bid for submissions (there is a success rate for applications of around 90%). The remainder of the project cost is met through a cash payment by your organisation.

• For an SME, project costs are funded at 67%, and the typical cost to an SME per annum is approx. £34k
• For a large company (250+ employees), the project is funded at 50%, and the typical cost to a large company per annum is approx. £52k
• The project budget will fund an Associate salary of up to approx. £41k per annum.

Your project can last between 12 months and three years. That's great value, especially as evidence show that businesses, who invest in R&D grow twice as fast and have higher exports compared to non-innovators.

The cost of a KTP is comparable to employing a well-qualified graduate, but includes so much more:

• Access to the exceptional resources of the university
• A dedicated team to deliver a strategic project
• Expert academic input bringing a breadth and depth of knowledge to support the graduate and the project
• The input of a highly experienced Knowledge Transfer Adviser who is there at every stage to support and help the project succeed
• The partnership introduces new capabilities and embeds knowledge
• The risk of developing the innovation project is shared with the government co-funders
• The wider support and opportunities offered by links to Innovate UK Business Connect.

During the application process, an expert known as a KTP Adviser will provide guidance on completing the application form. The KTP Adviser will be on hand to offer support throughout the project.

If the application is accepted, the next step is to recruit an Associate. The Associate will work on your site to embed the expertise of the academic team and bring their own skills to deliver the project.

Here in Queen’s, we work hard to ensure that we recruit the right graduate for the job. We will work closely with the business to draw up a suitable employee specification and job description which is then widely advertised. Shortlisting and interviewing of candidates is carried out jointly, and interviews are held on the company premises.

For all KTP projects, the graduate is employed by the University but contracted to work in your company, under your basic terms and conditions including holidays and hours of work.  

Through KTP the Associate will receive training that will help deliver the project and often bring new skills to your business. These additional skills will last the Associate a lifetime.

At least one academic will have been nominated to supervise the Associate and form part of the team that will deliver the project.

The Academic Supervisor(s) dedicates at least half a day per week to the KTP, providing expertise, mentorship and guidance to the KTP Associate. They can also arrange access to test equipment at the University if required. In short, they're a vital part of your team and project.