Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

Join forces with the University on a strategic innovation project. Use government funding to access our expertise to take your ideas forward.

Increase your revenue
Enter new markets, develop new products, increase productivity and improve processes
Widen your knowledge base
Access our knowledge, facilities and resources
Drive innovation
Embed expertise, achieve your ambitions and expand capability

Benefits of a KTP

A KTP is a 3-way project collaboration between a business or not for profit organisation, a university and a graduate. It's an opportunity to find solutions to business-critical challenges.

By partnering with the University of Southampton, you'll:

work with a qualified graduate, embedded in your business, who will manage the project
have the support of an academic team with the latest skills and knowledge
work together on a bid for government funding for up to two-thirds of the project costs
gain access to a range of other skills, expertise, and facilities within the University

Our experience

KTPs often lead to profitable long-term relationships with the University of Southampton. Watch some of our partners discuss their experiences of working with us.

AccelerComm

AccelerComm is an intellectual property company working in the area of signal processing in 5G. Our experts in wireless communications helped them develop new products.

Spearfish Securities

Spearfish is a risk and security management company who partnered with Southampton Business School and computer science experts on a digital strategy project.

Silverstream Technologies Ltd

Silverstream provides air lubrication to the maritime industry. Our data-centric engineering and ship safety experts helped to expand their data analytics capability.

Funding

The KTP programme is run by Innovate UK. You'll work with us to apply to them for funding for your project.

Businesses make a financial contribution over the course of the project. Projects usually last between 12 months and 3 years. Contributions are as follows:

small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contribute 33% of the total project cost
large companies contribute 50% of the total project cost

The contributions are spread at regular intervals throughout the project. You do not need to make a pre-project payment.

A wide range of organisations can apply for a KTP. This includes research and technology organisations and charities.

Other types of KTPs

Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT)

AKT is designed to build an intensive partnership of 2 to 4 months. You'll work with a specialist academic team to advance an innovation project designed to have a significant impact on your business.
Management KTPs

Management KTPs are designed to bring about culture change, focusing on strategic and management initiatives. You'll have the opportunity to partner with Southampton Business School on a transformational project.