Drive Innovation and Growth with a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
Supported by Innovate UK, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) bring together ambitious businesses and the world-class expertise of Royal Holloway, University of London to address strategic challenges, accelerate innovation, and unlock sustainable growth.
Classic KTPs
As a top 25 UK university for research quality (REF 2021), Royal Holloway provides access to leading academics, specialist knowledge, and state-of-the-art facilities. Through a KTP, our expert teams work in partnership with your company to develop innovative products, services, and processes that strengthen competitiveness and deliver measurable business impact. KTP projects typically last 12 to 36 months, providing the time and resource needed to embed new capabilities and deliver lasting business benefits.
Our dedicated KTP Office supports you throughout the entire journey, from identifying opportunities and shaping a compelling project proposal to securing funding, recruiting the KTP Associate, and providing ongoing project support through to successful completion.
Management KTPs (mKTP)
Management KTPs are designed to deliver transformational change by embedding strategic management expertise within your company. These partnerships focus on driving cultural and organisational development, helping businesses improve resilience, enhance financial performance, and build long-term sustainability.
Working closely with specialists from Royal Holloway’s Business School, organisations gain access to cutting-edge management knowledge that can inform strategic decision-making, unlock new opportunities, and support ambitious growth plans.
Contact our KTP Team to discuss your business ambitions.
Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AKT)
Accelerated Knowledge Transfer projects provide a fast and flexible route to innovation. Inspired by the highly successful KTP programme, these focused collaborations typically run for two to four months and are designed to rapidly evaluate, test, or develop innovative ideas with the potential to create significant business impact.
By combining business insight with Royal Holloway's academic expertise, AKT projects deliver targeted interventions that support growth, resilience, and sustainability while helping companies make informed investment decisions.
Innovate UK contributes up to £35,000 towards eligible project costs, with participating businesses typically contributing 10% of the total project value.
Further information, including funding calls, is available here.
Why Partner with Royal Holloway?
- Access internationally recognised academic expertise
- Develop innovative products, services, and business models
- Accelerate growth and strengthen competitiveness
- Leverage Innovate UK support and funding
- Benefit from dedicated end-to-end project support
- Build long-term strategic relationships with leading researchers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a KTP cost?
The project cost and relevant grant funding will depend on the type of the company you are. SMEs qualify for a 67% grant funding rate, while large companies qualify for 50% rate, leaving the rest of the cost to be covered by the company is cash.
Is my company eligible for a KTP?
To be eligible, your company should:
- Be a UK-registered business with a minimum of two full-time equivalent employees.
- Be able to meet the required project contribution and support the implementation and commercialisation of project outcomes.
- Host the KTP Associate within your organisation and provide appropriate supervision throughout the project.
- Demonstrate a commitment to innovation, business improvement, and sustainable growth
What types of KTP projects are being funded?
The type of projects suitable for a KTP may include:
- Refining existing products or designing new products.
- Opening new markets for new or existing products.
- Improving business, marketing or manufacturing systems.
- Improving efficiency and cutting costs
Will I be the recipient of the grant?
Royal Holloway acts as the grant holder for the KTP. The business partner's contribution is invoiced quarterly in arrears, providing a straightforward and transparent approach to project financial management.
What support will I get from the University?
Our dedicated KTP Office, working in partnership with the KTP Adviser and the academic team, will support you at every stage of the partnership. From shaping a strong application and securing funding to recruiting a high-calibre KTP Associate and delivering the project, we provide end-to-end guidance throughout the entire process.
This support continues for the duration of the project, including ongoing project guidance and reporting, through to the submission of the final report and project completion.
What are the KTP call deadlines?
There are typically 5 KTP rounds a year and you can find out the dates here.
What is the KTP application process?
1. Identify a Business Opportunity or Challenge
A business identifies a strategic challenge, innovation opportunity, or growth objective that could benefit from academic expertise.
2. Build the Partnership
The Royal Holloway KTP Office connects the business with the most appropriate academic specialists and works with both partners to define the project scope, objectives, and expected outcomes.
3. Complete the Fact-Finding and Eligibility Review
The business completes a Fact-Finding Form and provides its last two years of financial accounts. These are reviewed by the KTP Adviser to assess eligibility, financial viability, and the project's suitability for KTP funding.
4. Develop the Proposal
With support from the KTP Office and guidance from a KTP Adviser, the partnership develops a strong funding application aligned to the project's strategic goals.
5. Submit and Review
Royal Holloway submits the application on behalf of the partnership. Funding decisions are typically received within approximately 10 to 12 weeks.
6. Launch the Project
Following approval, Royal Holloway and the business collaborate to recruit a high-calibre KTP Associate who will lead the delivery of the project.
7. Deliver and Measure Impact
Throughout the project, the partnership receives ongoing support, governance, and performance reviews to ensure the project delivers measurable business benefits and long-term impact.
