Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) connect businesses that have innovative ideas with the relevant academic expertise to help deliver them. Currently, around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (universities and other research organisations) and over 800 graduates are involved in KTPs – collaborative, transformative, three-way partnerships creating positive impact and driving innovation. 

As a centre base for KTPs, Leeds Trinity University can access funding to help partner businesses and organisations across the country. One of the UK Government’s longest running and most successful programmes, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships have been helping academics and UK organisations to work in collaboratively for nearly 50 years.

The partnerships can help businesses access new expertise and embed new knowledge to drive profitability, growth, efficiency, or competitive advantage. This can be achieved through the application of new technology, by improving processes, developing organisational culture, creating new intellectual property, or developing new markets.

Businesses can also gain new strategic insights with cost-effective access to the UK’s world-class knowledge base as well as funding from the innovation agency Innovate UK or other organisations in UK research and innovation.  Additional benefits can include an increase in skills of existing staff and access to highly qualified graduates to lead new projects. 

Ian Maude, Head of Business Development at Leeds Trinity University said: “It is great news that Leeds Trinity University has now become a Knowledge Base Centre for KTP’s. We are looking forward to working with businesses to help them gain a competitive advantage by engaging with the academic expertise available at the university to help solve a challenge being faced by the business.

“We pride ourselves on our engagement with businesses and we are now able to help them access funds to innovate, move their businesses forward to become more successful and have a greater impact.”

Claire Newhouse, Dean of External Engagement and Impact added: “Becoming a provider of KTPs is a key milestone in our development as a University and we are excited for what the future holds. Being a Knowledge Base Centre provides Leeds Trinity not only with access to funding, but it also plugs the University into a wider network of businesses and organisations who are seeking academic support to aid innovation. We are looking forward to developing our existing relationships with business and building new ones locally, regionally and nationally.”

Businesses of any size, including not-for-profit organisations such as social enterprises, charities and some public sector organisations from anywhere in the country, can take advantage of the Knowledge Transfer Partner on offer through Leeds Trinity University.

For more information about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and how to apply for support, visit the website.