Apply for Knowledge Transfer Partnership Program (Round 5) – UK

By bringing in new skills and the latest academic thinking, KTPs enable businesses to tackle key challenges while giving associates — recruited by the academic partner — the chance to lead strategic developments, gain valuable experience, and develop new capabilities.

Applications must focus on a specific innovation project that addresses one or more challenges faced by the business partner. Projects should clearly demonstrate why the business needs the KTP, what new knowledge is required, and the capabilities that will be embedded in the organization as a result of the partnership. Any type of project is eligible, provided it meets these strategic objectives.

UK-registered academic institutions, Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs), or Catapults can apply for a share of up to £10 million to fund innovation projects in collaboration with businesses. Projects can run for 12 to 36 months, with total eligible costs typically around £8,500 per month. A portion of these costs is covered by Innovate UK, while the remaining funding is provided by the business partner.

The KTP program supports innovative UK businesses with ambitions to scale and grow, ensuring that projects align with the Industrial Strategy’s eight sectors. This includes both the application of existing technologies and the development of new tools, such as artificial intelligence solutions.

Certain organisations are not eligible to apply. These include central government departments, devolved administrations, public-sector organisations such as UKRI or ARIA, third-sector organisations, and businesses that are also eligible to act as a KTP knowledge base. The program fosters strong collaboration between academic institutions and eligible businesses, promoting growth, innovation, and skill development across the UK.

For more information, visit GOV.UK.