Funding for a UK registered business to partner with a knowledge base with a view to bringing new skills and the latest academic thinking to a specific, strategic innovation project.
Partnerships include placement of a skilled graduate (known as a ‘KTP Associate’) within the business to work on the project, having been recruited by the knowledge base for their knowledge and expertise.
Proposals can be for any kind of project but must show:
- why the business needs this Knowledge Transfer Partnership
- what new knowledge is required by the business
- what new capabilities will be embedded as a result of the KTP
ELIGIBILITY
A UK registered higher education or further education institution, RTO or Catapult must collaborate with a UK registered business with two or more full-time employees.
Note that from this round onwards, KTP proposals involving third sector or public sector partners will not be supported. Therefore, organisations defined as being within the public sector, including UKRI and ARIA, along with any commercial enterprise they own or operate, are no longer eligible to apply for a KTP. Similarly, third sector including business arms of charities or other third sector organisations that reinvest any surplus for social, environmental or cultural objectives are not eligible to apply.
Organisations eligible to become a KTP knowledge base, may not apply into KTP as a business partner.
VALUE AND DURATION
A project’s total eligible costs are typically £8,500 per month. Projects must be between 12 and 36 months.
Some of the knowledge base partners costs will be funded by Innovate UK. The rest of the eligible project costs are paid by the business partner.
Eligible costs depend on a number of factors, including:
- the duration of the project
- where the project will be located
- the size of the business or group
- if your business operates virtually
Successful applications are partially funded on the following basis:
- large companies may receive a grant contribution of up to 50% of eligible project costs, with the business paying the balance
- micro, small or medium sized enterprise (SMEs) may receive a grant contribution up to 67% of eligible project costs, with the business paying the balance
- as virtual businesses have no geographical location they may only receive a grant contribution of 50% or 67% depending upon the size of the business and must support additional costs as outlined in the KTP project costs guidance
KEY DATES
Deadline: 26 November 2025*
Applicants notified: 13 February 2026
Feedback: 20 February 2026
Successful applicants workshop: 23 February 2026
*The KTP programme runs continuously throughout the year. The next confirmed deadline will be 6 February 2026.
Applications are led by the knowledge base and are supported by a Knowledge Transfer Adviser appointed by Innovate UK.
Full opportunity details can be found on the Innovation Funding Service. See also guidance on how to apply as well as KTP project costs guidance.
You can also read about success stories by browsing KTP case studies.