Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

Innovate, grow and develop your business with Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a three-way partnership between a business, a Staffordshire University academic, and a recently qualified graduate. They offer businesses the ability to collaborate on an opportunity, idea or problem and support innovation through the development of new products, processes, and services.

The main objectives of a KTP are to:

• Increase turnover and profits
• Develop innovative solutions
• Improve competitiveness
• Access new markets
• Drive transformation
• Drive business growth
• Develop new products, processes or services
• Resolve issues
• Create new jobs

Business Benefits

Additional benefits of KTPs:

• Part-funded by Innovate UK or other government co-funders
• Eligibility to claim R&D Tax credits
• Expert academics support throughout the duration of the project
• Access to high-calibre Staffordshire University graduate with expertise in the relevant field of the project
• Graduate employee does not count towards your headcount
• Access to dedicated R&D facilities at the university

What is the cost?

KTPs are part funded by a grant from Innovate UK or other government co-funders which you apply for in a competitive bid submission (bids have a success rate for applications of around 90%). You will have a dedicated university contact to support you through the application/bid process.

Typical contribution from the government are as follows:

• 75% of project costs for not-for-profit businesses of any size
• 67% of project costs for micro, small and medium-sized businesses
• 50% of project costs for large businesses

The remainder of the project cost is met by your company.

Example of KTP success

Staffordshire based company Stormking took part in a KTP. Key outcomes included:

• Increase profit of 15% during project and a further 20% two years afterwards
• Removal of dependency on external high-risk suppliers
• Foundations to create a now 8 strong IT team providing development support across group companies
• Enabled a 30% growth in turnover whilst reducing administrative staff

Stormking were so impressed with the impact of their first KTP that they decided to start a second to expand on further innovations. Key outcomes included:

• Reduced maintenance costs of injection fleet by 80%
• Embedded PLC and Industry 4.0 skills into the business
• Supported SFDC and CI projects to reduce waste in the injection process by up to 40%

Who can apply?

KTP projects can be accessed by a UK-based business of any size or a not-for-profit organisation (including social enterprises and charities).

Contact employers@staffs.uk or call 0800 169 2148 to discuss how a KTP could impact your business with our dedicated team.

What to expect

Why Staffordshire University?

• We have a proven track record for over 30 years
• We have worked with over 70 companies on over 100 KTPs
• We have expertise in artificial intelligence, Big Data, machine learning, automation robotics, immersive technologies, health, bioscience and much more
• We have secured £6 million of government funding
• We are flexible, it can be anything from 12 to 36 months

Staff

Marek Hornak

Exec Director Of Business Engagement

Laura Knight

Employer Partnership Development Manager

I am a Business Development Manager in Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise. I support businesses, identifying training needs and academic pathways as part of our CPD offer.

Laura's profile

Philip O'Neill

Employer Partnerships Development Mgr

I work with businesses regionally and nationally, to understand their needs, and ensure they are suitably supported by Staffordshire University.

Philip's profile

Steve Hargreaves

Ep Develop'Mt Mgr-K'Ledge Exchng E'Prise

In my current role as an Employer Partnerships Development Manager, I look after the business incubator and take the lead in several exciting innovation projects. I set up KTPs and have supported businesses with Innovate UK bids.

Steve's profile