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
Want to know more about how we can support your business?
Get in touch with our Business Engagement team who can answer any questions you may have about our range of services.