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
Steps to success
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The idea and introduction meeting
You have an innovative business idea or problem that you lack the resources or knowledge to progress any further. Contact the Staffordshire University Business Engagement team who will arrange a meeting when most convenient for you to complete a fact-finding form. This will help to further develop on your ideas and identify the potential to explore other untapped innovation opportunities for business growth.
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Project proposal
Your university KTP lead will support you within completing the full project proposal. This will outline a comprehensive work plan, business case, key outputs, and deliverables. Your KTP lead is responsible for submitting the project proposal and will be reviewed by Innovate UK.
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Funding approved
Within 8 to 12 weeks from submitting the project proposal, you will receive a notification from Innovate UK confirming whether your application has been approved. If successful, our support will continue for the duration of the project.
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Recruit graduate KTP Associate
We will support the full process of recruiting your graduate KTP Associate. Our wrap-around support includes writing job specifications, promoting the role, shortlisting, interviewing, and managing payment.
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Continuous support
You will have regular 1-2-1s with your academic lead throughout the duration of the KTP. You will have access to university R&D facilities and your graduate KTP Associate will be working for you full-time.
Business benefits
Part-funded
Gain access to funding from Innovate UK or other government co-funders
Eligible for Tax credits
This initiative enables you to to claim research and development tax credits
Access our facilities
Take advantage of our research and development facilities here on campus
Additional benefits of KTPs:
- 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
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 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.
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
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%
Staff
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.