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Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

Funding Research and Innovation

KTP is a world-leading Innovate UK initiative that helps businesses succeed by connecting them to the UK's rich academic resources. It's a dynamic three-way partnership between an organisation seeking expertise, a university, and a graduate.

What can a KTP offer your business?

• Embed expertise, generate new knowledge, expand capability and foster a culture of innovation
• Drive competitive advantage through accelerated innovation and the possibility of creating Intellectual Property
• Gain privileged, cost-effective access to the UK’s world-class knowledge base
• Increase revenue through access to new markets, new product development, increased productivity and better processes
• Benefit from the strategic input of a highly experienced Knowledge Transfer Advisor

How is a KTP funded?

The cost of a KTP project is shared by the business and by Innovate UK and other government based funders who contribute 50-75% of the project cost via a grant to the academic or research organisation. The business makes a cash contribution for the remaining project cost with third sector parties covering 25% of the costs, small-to-medium business contributing 33% and a large business or public sector organisation 50% per annum. Applications for KTPs enjoy a high chance of being successful, with around 90% of applications being accepted.

What's the process?
  • Get in touch with our team to discuss your strategic growth plans
  • We'll link you with the academic team suited to your needs
  • Together we develop a project spanning 12 – 36 months
  • Funding applications can be submitted 5 times a year (subject to change)
  • If successful, we recruit a graduate who becomes the KTP Associate
  • The Associate is employed by the University but works full time with your business
  • New knowledge and capabilities are introduced for your commercial benefit
What's included?

The cost to the business is comparable to employing a well-qualified graduate, but includes so much more:

  • Access to the resources, facilities and academic expertise of the University of Lincoln
  • A dedicated team to deliver a strategic project
  • Expert academic input bringing a breadth and depth of knowledge to support the project
  • The risk of developing the innovation project is shared with the funder
  • Businesses may be eligible to claim R&D tax credits

Case Study: Princes Group Ltd.

We are proud to partner with Princes Group Ltd. on a KTP project, bringing in expertise from our National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM). Academics Dr Essam Hebishy, Senior Lecturer in Food Science and Technology, and Dr Bukola Onarinde, Associate Professor have been working on the project with KTP Associate and Food Scientist, Arianna Ortali, and the product development and innovation team at Princes.

YouTube video for Case Study: Princes Group Ltd.

Case Study: Arktis Endurance Textiles

The University of Lincoln's Biomechanics team, led by Dr Franky Malloy, is working with Arktis Endurance Textiles Ltd. on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership project which applies scientific principles and biomechanical analysis techniques to enhance the research and development process for police, military and outdoor load bearing equipment.

YouTube video for Case Study: Arktis Endurance Textiles

Case Study: Eminox Ltd.

Running until Autumn 2024, this KTP between the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Eminox Ltd. aims to develop a combined emission after-treatment and exhaust heat recovery system for hydrogen and/or ammonia fuelled combustion engines, in particular for heavy-duty applications, in order to achieve clean emissions and high engine efficiency under zero carbon emissions.

YouTube video for Case Study: Eminox Ltd.

Contact Us

University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool Campus
Lincoln
LN6 7TS

enterprise@lincoln.ac.uk