Discover the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a subsidised three-way partnership between a business, a high-calibre graduate and an academic institution.

It is a cost-effective way for businesses to attract fresh talent and access the expertise in universities and colleges to deliver strategic innovative solutions to achieve business growth. Graduates gain vital experience delivery projects in their fields of expertise and many are offered a permanent job with the company after the project is completed.

The scheme is funded by Innovate UK and Invest NI. We partner business and graduates, matching project requirements with management or technical skills and academic disciplines.

We also offer both Technical KTP and Management KTP Programmes. For both programmes, projects typically last about two years and funding is available for up to two-thirds of the total project costs.

Technical KTPs match graduates from a specific discipline such as engineering, ICT or construction with companies undertaking projects related to their speciality while a Management KTP matches business management graduates with companies from all sectors seeking to implement strategic organisational improvements and is ideal for businesses which need to revamp their strategy or business model.

These collaborations can directly improve your company's competitiveness, productivity, efficiency and profitability.

Projects should be transformative, driving strategic change and boosting commercial performance focusing on business areas such as:

  • Strategy & business modelling
  • Process or operational improvements
  • Leadership & decision-making
  • Skills development

KTP offers companies:

  • Graduate skills
  • Access to knowledge and research in third level institutions
  • A channel for commercialising research
  • Support through new product, service or process development

Find out more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Who is eligible?

This support is available to all NI businesses but may be subject to some eligibility criteria.

How to apply

Contact us or alternatively call our Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422.

We accept applications from graduates and businesses for both programmes at any time.


Not sure that this support is right for you? Contact us and we can explore options for your business together.

Our support may be subject to some eligibility criteria.


You may also be interested in...

  • Collaborative working

    Strengthen your business and open up a world of opportunities.

  • Horizon 2020

    Access the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever.

  • Innovation vouchers

    A £5,000 voucher to get expert help to do something new.

Contact our
Business support team
0800 181 4422
or
For information on how we use your personal data including your rights, see our privacy notice.
Ambition to Grow

Ambition to Grow

Business Direction promo

Business Direction Tutorial