This year, the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme marks 50 years of impact across the UK, and Queen's University Belfast is proudly celebrating its role in this success.

As one of the leading UK academic institutions driving forward the KTP programme, Queen’s has participated in more partnerships than any other institution, winning 25 national KTP awards.

Since its first project with Bombardier in 1986, the University has driven innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in Northern Ireland generating £50 million for the Northern Ireland economy and creating over 500 jobs.  

On 2nd April 2025, The Great Hall at Queen's filled with KTP Associates, industry partners, academics, and key stakeholders for a special event to mark this significant milestone.

KTP is a UK-wide government initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry by linking businesses with academic experts to develop strategic innovation projects that leave a lasting impact.

A Legacy of Success 

Professor Archie Clements, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Enterprise, kicked off the evening by highlighting Queen’s long-standing commitment to KTP;

“The programme has allowed over 450 businesses to make use of the knowledge, skills and expertise in our University, creating over 500 jobs. This has been hugely beneficial in terms of accelerating innovation and driving sustainable business growth. 

“As well as helping businesses, KTPs play a crucial role in not only kickstarting graduates' careers, giving them the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to industry challenges, all while availing of expert mentorship and professional development opportunities. Our academics too are given the platform to apply their expertise to real-world industry, using their academic knowledge to help solve societal challenges.”

Richard Lamb, Programme Manager for KTP at Innovate UK, highlighted the national significance of the programme, showcasing its contribution to R&D, economic growth and innovation across industries;

"Over the past 50 years, KTP has contributed over £5.50 for every £1 invested, with 14,000 projects generating billions for the UK economy."

Dr Vicky Kell, Director of Innovation, Research & Development at Invest NI, reinforced the importance of KTP in supporting businesses in Northern Ireland to stay competitive in an evolving market. Vicky also highlighted how she began her own career as a KTP Associate, reinforcing the power of the programme in developing graduates into leaders of tomorrow.

“Invest NI is proud to support the KTP programme. Accelerating innovation and skills development are key priorities in our Business Strategy and with more KTP projects than any other UK region, Northern Ireland continues to punch above its weight to support businesses to take their first steps in innovation, strengthen partnerships, and drive long term success.

“As a former KTP Associate, I have seen first-hand how these partnerships give businesses access to world class expertise while equipping graduates with valuable industry experience. KTP provides a truly unique opportunity for the company, associate and knowledge provider."

Impactful Collaborations

Several panels throughout the evening, expertly chaired by Wendy Austin MBE, featured KTP Associates, academics, and business leaders who shared first-hand experiences of how KTP has transformed their organisations and their careers.

One of the standout discussions came from the Navico Group panel, where Richard Bovill, Product Development and Engineering Director at Navico, Claire Wilson, KTP Associate and Dr Peter Martin from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering reflected on their ongoing and past KTP collaborations with Queen’s.

Their current KTP focuses on embedding design expertise and manufacturing capability for Advanced Rotational Moulding, enabling innovative solutions for marine fuel tanks. Looking ahead, the partnership aims to deepen Navico’s Industry 4.0 knowledge by integrating AR/VR, robotics, and AI into their processes.

Their discussion underscored the power of KTP in embedding cutting-edge research into business operations, driving efficiency, innovation, and long-term competitive advantage.

The event also featured insights from Queen’s academics, Dr Tara Brooks and Dr Stephen McIlwaine from the School of Natural and Built Environment, who collaborated with construction company Felix O’Hare on a KTP project focused on sustainability. Their partnership showcased how academic research can lead to real-world industry change.

Looking Ahead

As the evening concluded, Lorraine Marks, Head of KTP and Business Engagement Programmes at Queen’s, outlined the next steps for businesses and academics interested in getting involved in KTP.

For businesses, KTP offers a unique opportunity to bring new expertise into their teams to address key challenges. For academics, it provides a platform to apply their research and knowledge to real-world industry needs, delivering tangible impact beyond the University.

With 50 years of success behind it, the KTP programme continues to be a driving force for business innovation. Last night’s event was not only a celebration of achievements but also a reminder of the potential KTP holds for shaping the future of industry and research partnerships.

A huge thank you to all who attended and contributed to the event! If you’re interested in finding out how KTP could support your business or research, get in touch with us.

KTPs are primarily funded by Innovate UK, along with support from other government bodies and industry partners. In Northern Ireland, the programme is supported by Invest NI.