Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP): 2026 - 2027 Round 4

Who can apply

Through the KTP programme, Innovate UK seeks to support innovative businesses with the ambition to scale and grow in the UK.

Each Knowledge Transfer partnership (KTP) is a partnership between the following:

• a UK knowledge base, acting as lead organisation and submitting the application

• a UK registered business

All projects should align with the six Industrial Strategy’s sectors prioritised by Innovate UK.

Projects that do not align with one of the six priority sectors, are eligible, however, funding priority will be given to projects that align with the prioritised areas within the Industrial Strategy.

The following organisations are specifically excluded from applying:

• UKRI, its councils and businesses owned or operated either wholly or partially by UKRI

• Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)

• central government departments and the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Any organisation eligible to become a KTP knowledge base may not apply into KTP as a business partner.

Knowledge base partner

The knowledge base partner cannot work alone.

The knowledge base partner must lead the project and must:

• be a UK registered higher education (HE) or further education (FE) institution, research technology organisation (RTO) or Catapult

• be registered as a knowledge base with the KTP programme

• invite one UK registered business into the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) application

• invite one Knowledge Transfer Adviser to support the application

• not have ownership of 50% or more of the business partner or a controlling interest via a shareholder agreement

• recruit associate roles in a demonstrably open and fair manner

• allow associates to participate in the typical working patterns of the business for the majority of the project, unless working virtually, this should take place at the business partner’s premises

• agree to provide at least half a day per week of academic support for the associate

• complete the application form in partnership with the business

• make sure the application is completed and submitted with the agreement of a Knowledge Transfer Adviser before the competition closes

• submit a current full economic costing (fEC) letter with each application if you are using the full fEC costing model and support the project in accordance with its provision

• provide the project secretariat

• reach an intellectual property (IP) agreement with the business partner before the project commences

• agree to attend specified meetings at a location identified by the business partner

• ensure that none of the proposed academic team are directors, consultants or otherwise engaged by the business or group

As part of their involvement in the project the knowledge base partner must provide a case study to Innovate UK, using the template provided, upon completion of the project.

Publications are linked to the no subsidy status of this competition. It is therefore essential that knowledge base partners publish a minimum of two academic papers for each completed project or create at least two industry focused publications per project, publicly sharing project outcomes.

The business partner must be invited into IFS by the knowledge base partner to collaborate on a project. When the business partner accepts their invitation, they will need to:

• login or create an account

• enter business finance performance information and enter estimates of how the performance of the business will be impacted by the KTP, which may be updated as part of the financial reporting process

Business partner

Business partners cannot work alone. They must develop the project with a UK knowledge base who can provide the right skills to meet the knowledge gap within the business. We encourage business partners to approach Innovate UK Business Connect or knowledge bases to discuss the suitability of KTP for their specific circumstances.

To collaborate with a knowledge base, the business partner must:

• be a UK registered business

• have two or more full time equivalent employees

• demonstrate the characteristics of a business with high growth potential

• determine the size of their business or group

• declare the total number of employees within the business and if part of a group of businesses, within the group

• complete the application form in partnership with the knowledge base partner

• provide evidence of their ability to financially support their contribution

• host the associate and provide them with day to day supervisory support

• host monthly supervisor, Local Management Committee (LMC) and other mandatory meetings at their own expense

• provide evidence that demonstrates their ability to financially support the exploitation of the project

• reach a written IP agreement with the knowledge base before the project commences

• agree to participate in the final reporting process at the conclusion of the project

The business partner must provide financial accounts from the current financial year and the previous two years. Other supporting documentation may be required. For businesses less than three years old, the knowledge base or Knowledge Transfer Adviser (KTA) will give further guidance.

The size, location and type of your business determine the proportion of eligible costs we will fund. If the business is part of a group, it is the overall size of the group which should be declared.

Refer to the company accounts guidance or speak to your accountant to help determine the overall size of your business or group.

The KTP programme is accessible to any UK registered business. This is normally demonstrated on a public register, such as on Companies House.

The registered name and registration number provided must match the official public register.

UK subsidiary businesses of overseas parent companies are eligible, provided they are individually registered in the UK.

Where a business is not registered at Companies House the business must provide evidence of the legal status and ownership of the business.

The knowledge base and the business partner must sign a joint commitment statement. The business partner’s registered name must be used for both the application and the joint commitment statement.

You must deliver an exploitation plan during your project. By completing all sections of the application form you will have completed your initial exploitation plan.

Subcontractors

Subcontractors are not allowed in this competition.

Sanctions

This competition will not fund you, or provide any financial benefit to any individual or entities directly or indirectly involved with you, which would expose Innovate UK or any direct or indirect beneficiary of funding from Innovate UK to UK Sanctions. For example, through any procurement, commercial, business development or supply chain activity with any entity as lead, partner or subcontractor related to these countries, administrations and terrorist groups.

Use of animals in research and innovation

Innovate UK expects and supports the provision and safeguarding of welfare standards for animals used in research and innovation, according to best practice and up to date guidance.

Applicants must ensure that all of the proposed work within projects, both that in the UK and internationally, will comply with the UKRI guidance on the use of animals in research and innovation.

Any projects selected for funding which involve animals will be asked to provide additional information on welfare and ethical considerations, as well as compliance with any relevant legislation as part of the project start-up process. This information will be reviewed before an award is made.

No subsidy

This competition has been designed to provide funding that is not classed by Innovate UK as a subsidy.

Your eligibility to be given an award on a ‘No Subsidy’ basis will be determined by Innovate UK after you have submitted your application.

You should still seek independent legal advice on what this means for you, before applying.

Further information about the Subsidy Control Act 2022 requirements can be found within the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

It is the responsibility of the lead organisation to make sure all collaborators in the project remain compliant with the ‘No Subsidy’ status they are awarded.

It is important to note that it is the activity that an organisation is engaged in as part of the project and not its intentions, that define whether any support provided could be considered a subsidy.

EU State aid rules now only apply in limited circumstances. See the Windsor Framework to check if these rules apply to your organisation.

In the ‘Project details’ section of your application you will be asked questions to indicate if State Aid or Subsidy applies to your organisation.

Further Information

If you are unsure about your obligations under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 regime you should take independent legal advice. We cannot advise on individual eligibility or legal obligations.

Funding

Find out about the cost of participating in KTP and understand which project costs are eligible for funding.

Any funding is provided on a no subsidy basis. This means you must publish or make all project outputs openly available on a non-selective basis. If you decide to commercially exploit project outputs, you can only do so with no selective advantage.

Contribution from Innovate UK

Innovate UK has commitment a budget of £12.5 million for this round of the KTP programme, which will contribute towards the total eligible costs of the individual projects. Innovate may choose to commit more than this figure based on known historic commitment levels within the programme.

The grant contribution to your project may be funded wholly or in part by one or more of the KTP financial supporters. You must choose at least one of the following financial supporters:

• UKRI KTP (Innovate UK)

• Invest Northern Ireland

• Welsh Government

The delivery of the KTP programme is supported by the UKRI Research Councils. If their involvement could be beneficial to your project, this must be indicated in the application.

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

For full details on what costs you can claim, see the KTP project costs guidance.

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

For full details on grant contributions, see the KTP project costs guidance.

Contribution from the business partner

Business partners may work with any eligible knowledge base that has the knowledge they need to complete their project. The choice of knowledge base will impact upon total project costs and the level of contribution they will need to provide.

In the application the business partner must describe and agree to provide funding towards project delivery. The amount depends on the:

• total eligible project costs

• duration of the project

• registered location of the business

• location of the project

• size of the business or group

• type of business

Additionally, the business partner must fund:

• items listed in the additional costs section of the application form

• the time spent on the project by their own staff

• other non-eligible costs such as the purchase of capital equipment

• commercialisation of the project outputs

As virtual businesses have no geographical location they must support additional costs as outlined in the KTP project costs guidance.

Application rules

All applicants must read and understand the following:

• Innovate UK General Guidance

• KTP guidance

• cost guidance for KTP

• all sections of the application form

• Terms and Conditions

• UKRI Good research resources

This is not an exhaustive list of guidance, but covers the major issues you are likely to encounter as part of your application.

Whilst Innovate UK is a part of UKRI, knowledge bases in particular should note that there are areas of difference between UKRI grants and those offered by Innovate UK.

If you have any questions regarding the rules of this competition, you should contact your nominated Knowledge Transfer Adviser, prior to submission. By submitting your application you acknowledge that you have read and understood the guidance above, that you are entering a competitive process and that you will abide by the rules and outcome of the competition.

Number of applications

Each knowledge base can collaborate with any number of business partners.

Each business partner, including separate businesses within a business group, can only take part in up to four concurrent KTP funded projects.

Additional applications may be allowed at the discretion of the programme manager.

You must provide justification by email to support@iuk.ukri.org at least 20 working days before the competition closes. We will decide whether to approve your request.

Previous applications

You cannot use a previously submitted application to apply for this competition. All applications are scanned and compared electronically checking for similarities.

We will not award you funding if you have previously:

• submitted the same application

• failed to exploit other Innovate UK or UKRI funded projects

• not complied with the grant terms and conditions of any Innovate UK or UKRI funded projects

Knowledge Transfer Advisers

Applications must be supported by an Innovate UK appointed Knowledge Transfer Adviser (KTA).

The adviser will provide the knowledge base and business with guidance throughout the application process. To support all projects equitably, the adviser may set a timetable for the knowledge base and business during the development of an application. Should the timetable or the guidance offered not be followed, the adviser may choose not to support an application.

Applications will be withdrawn from the competition if the appointed KTA has not given their support to a project prior to the submission of the application.

Your project

Your application must be for a specific, strategic innovation project that tackles one or more challenges faced by the business partner.

It can be any kind of project and must show:

• why the business needs this Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

• what new knowledge is required by the business

• what new capabilities will be embedded as a result of the KTP

• how your project aligns with the Industrial Strategy

• what characteristics the business possesses that suggest it has high growth potential

The six areas within the Industrial Strategy’s prioritised by Innovate UK sectors are:

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Clean Energy Industries

• Creative Industries

• Defence

• Digital and Technologies

• Life Sciences

If your project does not align with one of the six priority sectors, it may still be eligible if it is exploiting a novel area of research and the business partner meets the criteria for a high growth potential.

Priority will be given to projects that align with the Industrial strategy.

Portfolio Approach

Innovate UK reserves the right to apply a ‘portfolio’ approach in this competition. The portfolio can be spread across a range of themes, including:

• scope areas

• categories of research and development

• project durations

• eligible project costs

• locations

The ‘portfolio approach’ is used to fit the spend profile of the competition. The Programme Manager or Deputy Director responsible for the competition will make sure that funds are allocated across the strategic areas identified in the scope of the competition. This may mean that a proposal that scores less than yours is successful.

Projects we will not fund

We will not fund:

• projects that are not strategic for the business partner

• projects that do not align with the industrial strategy or are not considered to be exploiting a novel area of research

• projects that do not demonstrate a genuine market opportunity or viable route to market

• projects where the business partner is ineligible, for example, a public sector organisation, unless that partner is receiving support from another funder

• projects where the business partner has not provided sufficient information to support affordability

• projects where similar outcomes could be achieved by other mechanisms, for example, contract research

• projects without sufficient clarity on how the knowledge transferred will be embedded into the business

• projects which are classed as State aid under EC regulations or a subsidy under the EU-UK TCA

• undertakings which gain a selective economic or commercial advantage from the funding

25 March 2027

Applicants notified

1 April 2027

Feedback

Before you start

Before you apply you must read the guidance for KTP applicants and costs guidance for KTP projects along with information contained within the competition information page and the General guidance for all Innovate UK competitions. Additional guidance is given for each question on the application form.

Before submitting, it is the lead applicant’s responsibility to make sure:

• that all the information provided in the application is correct

• your proposal meets the eligibility and scope criteria

• all sections of the application are marked as complete

• that all partners have completed all assigned sections and accepted the terms and conditions (T&Cs)

You can reopen your application once submitted, up until the competition deadline. You must resubmit the application before the competition deadline.

You must complete all relevant sections of the application and upload the required documents using the templates provided. Failure to do so will result in the application being withdrawn from the competition.

What we ask you

The application is split into three sections:

1. Project details, including scope. If your project is not in scope it will not be assessed and will be withdrawn from the competition.

2. Application questions.

3. Finances.

If your application is in scope, the assessors will score your application holistically. They will score on:

• impact

• challenge

• innovation

• cohesiveness

Each of these areas will be scored out of 10 marks, for a maximum total of 40 marks. Assessors will also consider the viability of the overall project including consideration of project affordability and commercialisation of outcomes.

You must meet all the eligibility rules for your project to be considered for funding.

What happens after you have submitted your application

After the competition has closed, your application will be reviewed by one of our competition managers to make sure it meets the eligibility criteria stated in the specific competition guidance.

They will check:

• you are a registered UK business or are in the process of setting up as a registered UK business

• if collaborative, your collaboration meets the competition’s requirements

• your total eligible project costs or grant request is within the competition’s limits

• your project duration is within the competition’s limits

• the number of times you have submitted the same or similar application and whether this adheres to the competition’s eligibility criteria

• your answers are of sufficient quality and length

• whether you’ve received funding previously for the same project

All submitted applications that meet the eligibility criteria will be sent for assessment. The assessors are experts in knowledge exchange.

If your application does not meet the eligibility criteria or is not in scope, you will be made ineligible. We will email the lead applicant with the reasons why.

In all matters the Programme Manager owns the scope of a competition their decision is final and cannot be questioned.

Standard assessment process

The KTP assessment process applied to applications is as follows:

1. Applications are allocated to assessors in a secure and confidential manner, taking into account their expertise and any conflicts of interest they may have already declared to us.Assessors are not able to see or access any scoring or feedback that you may have received for a previous application.

2. Your application will initially be assessed by three assessors. Assessors complete their assessment independently and are bound by a non-disclosure agreement as part of their contract. If you have submitted an application for a second time, we cannot guarantee the same assessors will assess your application.

3. Each assessor submits a score for each category assessed. They will also provide comments which form your application feedback. Assessors are not able to see each other’s scores or feedback.

4. Once we have received all assessments in the competition you applied into, a report is run to show a ranked order of all applications based on the average assessor score of each application. This is known as the panel sheet.

5. The panel sheet is reviewed by the Programme Manager responsible for the competition and moderated by the Competition Manager.

6. A separate moderation panel may be convened by the Programme Manager to ensure consistancy in scoring and for quality control purposes.

7. The highest ranking applications (subject to meeting a minimum quality threshold and any portfolio approach) are recommended to Innovate UK for funding.

8. The final recommended panel list is presented to the Innovate UK Funder’s Panel to obtain final approval for funding. The funders panel is made of Innovate UK domain experts and operational staff to ensure the smooth transition through project setup.

While Innovate UK engages assessors to act on its behalf, we retain the right to make any decision on whether a proposal is in or out of scope or eligible for funding. Projects considered out of scope or ineligible will not be funded.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. This includes making reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability or a long-term condition and face barriers applying to us.

You can contact us at any time to ask for guidance.

We recommend you contact us at least 15 working days before this competition’s closing date to allow us to put the most suitable support in place. The support we can provide may be limited if you contact us close to the competition deadline.

You can contact Innovate UK by email or call 0300 321 4357. Our phone lines are open from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm UK time, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

1. Project details

This section provides background for the assessors and is not scored.

Do not include any website addresses (URLs) in your answers.

Application team

Decide which organisations will work with you on the project. Invite people from those organisations to help complete the application.

Project Delivery Team

List the names and roles of the individuals who will deliver the project.

Application Title

Provide an application title that follows the required format "Knowledge Base and Business Partner KTP Year and Round". Use the full business name exactly as it appears on its Companies House registration. Do not use abbreviations.

For example, to submit an application into this competition, the following application title would be correct: University of Innovation and Shelen Limited KTP 26_27 R4.

If the title is incorrect, your application may be withdrawn.

Your answer can be up to 20 words long.

Project summary

Your project summary will give the assessors a useful introduction to your project.

Provide a clear overview of the whole project, including:

• your vision for the project

• key objectives

• main areas of focus

• details of how it is innovative

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Public description

Provide a public description of the project that begins with "To" and is suitable for publication.

For example: To develop a novel process for picking soft fruit.

Innovate UK will make use of this public description and may edit it, to comply with government requirements.

Your answer can be up to 30 words long.

Scope

Your application must be for a specific, strategic innovation project that tackles one or more challenges faced by the business partner.

It can be any kind of project and must show:

• why the business needs this Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

• what new knowledge is required by the business

• what new capabilities will be embedded as a result of the KTP

• how your project aligns with the Industrial Strategy

• what characteristics the business possesses that suggest it has high growth potential

The six areas within the Industrial Strategy’s prioritised by Innovate UK sectors are:

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Clean Energy Industries

• Creative Industries

• Defence

• Digital and Technologies

• Life Sciences

Projects that do not align with one of the six priority sectors, are eligible, however, funding priority will be given to projects that align with the six areas prioritised within the Industrial strategy.

Your answer can be up to 250 words long.

2. Application questions

You must answer all questions.

You must not name an associate in your application.

You must not include any website addresses or links (URLs) in your answers. Any website addresses or URLs included, will not be viewed or opened.

Question 1. Animal testing (not scored)

Will your project involve any trials with animals or animal testing?

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

We will only support innovation projects conducted to the highest standards of animal welfare.

Further information for proposals involving animal testing is available at the UKRI Good Research Hub and NC3R’s animal welfare guidance.

Question 2. Permits and licences (not scored)

Will you have the correct permits and licences in place to carry out your project?

We are unable to fund projects which do not have the correct permits or licences in place by your project start date.

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

• In the process of being applied for

• Not applicable

Question 3. International collaboration (not scored)

Does your proposed work involve any international collaboration or engagement?

You must provide details of any expected international collaboration or engagement.

You must include a list of the names and the countries, any international project co-leads, project partners, visiting researchers, or other collaborators are based in.

You must also include details of any subcontractors or service providers.

If your proposed work does not involve international collaboration or engagement, your answer must confirm this.

Your answer can be up to 400 words long.

Question 4. Export licence (not scored)

You must indicate whether an export control license is required for this project under the academic export control guidance.

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

Question 5. Trusted Research and Innovation (not scored)

You must explain if your proposed project work relates to UKRI’s Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) Principles, including:

• a list of any dual use (both military and non-military) applications to your research

• a list of the areas where your project is relevant to one or more of the 17 areas of the UK National Security and Investment (NSI) Act

• whether an export control license is required for this project under the academic export control guidance and the status of any applications

• a list of any items or substances on the UK Strategic Export Control List

If your proposed work does not relate to UKRI’s TR&I Principles, your answer must confirm this.

We may ask you to provide additional TR&I information at a later date, in line with UKRI TR&I Principles and funding terms and conditions.

Your answer can be up to 400 words long.

Question 6. Alignment with the Industrial Strategy

Which of the 6 sectors described within the Industrial Strategy does your KTP most closely align with?

Select one of the following:

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Clean Energy Industries

• Creative Industries

• Defence

• Digital and Technologies

• Life Sciences

• Other

Sector team colleagues may be offered the opportunity to review your application as a non-scoring assessor.

Question 7. Application of technology

How will the project apply technology?

Which of the following best describes how the project will apply technology, which we define as the application of knowledge for practical purposes.

You must select one of the following:

• adoption of technology

• development of technology

• both adoption and development

Question 8. Potential Funders

Who do you want to financially support your project?

You must type the name exactly as shown below.

You must choose at least one of the following:

• UKRI KTP (Innovate UK)

• Invest Northern Ireland

• Welsh Government

Your answer can be up to 50 words long.

Question 9. Research Council alignment

Which research council aligns most closely with this project?

You must type the name exactly as shown below.

You must choose at least one of the following:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council

• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

• Economic and Social Research Council

• Medical Research Council

• Natural Environment Research Council

• Science and Technology Facilities Council

• None

Research council colleagues may be offered the opportunity to review your application as a non-scoring assessor.

Your answer can be up to 50 words long.

Question 10. KTP type

What type of KTP are you applying for?

You must select one option:

• classic KTP

• management KTP

Question 11. Number of associates

How many associates do you need to support this project?

You must select one option:

• one associate

• two associates

Question 12. Business partner type

What is the business partner type? This refers to the applicant business, not the parent group.

You must select one option:

• limited company

• limited liability partnership

• partnership

• public limited company

• unlimited company

• other

Question 13. Virtual business

Is the business partner a virtual business?

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

Question 14. Business partner size

What is the size of the business partner’s organisation or group?

For more information on business sizes, refer to the company accounts guidance

You must select one option:

• micro

• small

• medium

• large

Question 15. Business partner SIC code

What is the business partner’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code?

Your answer can be up to 10 words long.

Question 16. Business partner registration number

What is the business partner’s registration number as shown on the official register?

This is normally demonstrated on a public register, such as Companies House.

The registration number provided must match the official public register.

An incorrect number may result in the application being withdrawn from the competition.

If your organisation is not a registered business, but is a legal entity, include additional information on your legal status as one of your supporting documents.

Your answer can be up to 10 words long.

Question 17. Meeting location

Where will the business partner hold face to face project management meetings and Local Management Committee meetings?

This is where the project primarily takes place, or a chosen location for virtual projects. Provide the full address of the location in this order. Do not include bullet points in your response:

• building name or number and street

• town or city

• county

• postcode

Your answer can be up to 50 words long.

Question 18. High growth potential

What characteristics does the business or business unit possesses that suggest it has high growth potential?

Describe the current:

• business model

• leadership

• technical capability

• pipeline of ideas

• growth trajectory

• availability and access to funds

Your answer can be up to 200 words long

Question 19. Business description

What does the business do now?

Explain:

• current business activities and objectives

• current revenue generating activities

If the business partner is part of a group, also provide details of the group’s size, geographic locations and range of activities.

If the business partner is not generating revenues, provide details of their funding sources.

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 20. Business strategy

Where does the business see itself in the future?

Explain:

• the business’s future strategic plans

• how the project aims to address those plans

• what needs to change within the business to allow this to happen

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 21. Problem Description

What is the problem this project seeks to solve?

Provide a description of the problem, explain:

• the problem

• the potential scale

• the consequences if the problem is not addressed

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 22. Outline of proposed solution

What is the approach to solve this problem?

Explain:

• how will this approach help resolve the stated problem

• why is this approach innovative to the business

Highlight any evidence that supports your response. Do not include any hyperlinks in your answer.

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 23. Knowledge gap

What knowledge does the business lack to deliver this innovation?

Explain what new knowledge, technology, capability or expertise is required by the business and how it will be used within the project.

Your answer can be up to 200 words long

Question 24. Embedding

How will new knowledge be embedded within the business?

Explain how the new knowledge, technology or expertise will be embedded in the business for use beyond the lifetime of your project

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 25. Reason for partnership

Why does a KTP suit this idea and what alternatives have you explored?

Explain why the KTP structure and funding is necessary to achieve the desired outcomes.

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 26. Output of the innovation

Which of the following, if any, best represents the output of the innovation?

You must select one:

• new product, service or business model

• improved product, service or business model

• both

• none of the above

Question 27. Customers

Which of the following is your main customer?

You must select one:

• individuals or consumers

• businesses

• charities or non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• government or public sector

• do not know

Question 28. Market opportunity

What is the market opportunity and the market size for your idea?

Additional information on calculating market size is provided by British Business Bank.

Describe:

• your current market share

• who will pay for your innovation and why

• what the key characteristics or needs are of your main customers

For your new idea or innovation provide an evidence based assessment of:

1. The Total Addressable Market (TAM): This is the total market demand for a product or service. It's the maximum revenue opportunity available if 100% market share was achieved.

2. The Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM): The portion of the addressable market that can realistically be captured by your idea. It factors in constraints like competition, geography, pricing, and how easily you can go to market.

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 29. Market opportunity quantification

How will market opportunity quantified by TAM and SOM be realised?

Explain:

• your proposed route to market, including key potential customer, channels, business models, and marketing

• who your key competitors are and what market share they have

• what the obstacles are to market entry

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 30. Commercial impacts

What are the expected commercial impacts, revenues and assumptions?

What are the cumulative revenue and net profit before tax, forecasts during the project and in the following five years described in the commercial impacts template?

Your response on the application from must include:

• cumulative revenue £XXX

• Net Profit before tax £XXX

• the income generating activities arising from the KTP

• the assumptions you used to generate the revenue and profit figures in the commercial impacts table

• the formulas you use to calculate the revenue and net profit before tax figures

You must also download the latest commercial impacts template, complete it and upload as a PDF with a file size of up to 10MB. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

Your answer can be up to 500 words long.

Question 31. Wider benefits

What additional benefits to the economy, society and environment do the project team predict?

Describe supplementary economic, societal and environmental benefits, including:

• if or how your project aligns with any of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• the wider societal and environmental benefits

• additional economic benefits, including the number of new and safeguarded jobs

• any other benefits that this project will deliver that may help your case for support

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 32. Benefits

Who benefits most from addressing this problem?

You must select one option:

• those who use the product or service, such as through lower costs or better outcomes

• wider society or individuals who don’t use the product or service, such as by improving productivity or reducing access inequalities

• the environment, such as reducing emissions or waste

• government or public services, such as through cost savings or improved efficiency

• your industry or sector, such as through innovation leadership or competitive advantage

• do not know

• prefer not to say

Question 33. Project funding

How does the business plan to address the funding of this project and commercialisation?

Explain:

• how you are going to fund the costs of your project

• the likely cost within and beyond the project, of commercialising your innovation

• how you are going to fund the costs of commercialising your innovation

• the additional actions required beyond the project

You do not need to provide detailed figures of project related costs in this section, those must be included within the Additional Company Cost Estimate table, detailing any additional contributions required from the business during the life of the project.

Where funding the costs of the project rely upon the raising of additional funds, letters of support or a description of the type of funding being sought should be attached to the application.

Your answer can be up to 400 words long

Question 34. Business accounts

Does the business meet the affordability criteria?

Do the business accounts show any of the following issues. If so, you must provide additional details:

• declining turnover

• low net profit, pre-tax

• negative liquidity

• high debt or equity

• growth in long term loans

If the business financial position is complex and requires further explanation you should attach a business letter to the application.

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 35. Business partner’s challenges

What are the challenges the business partner will face through this project?

Explain the challenges the business faces in delivering the project.

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 36. Knowledge base partner’s challenges

What are the challenges the knowledge base partner will address through this project?

Explain the challenges the knowledge base faces in delivering the project

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 37. Knowledge Base benefits

What impacts and outcomes do the academic team forecast?

Describe the impacts and outcomes expected for the knowledge base partner, for example:

• detail how the insights gained will impact on the teams current research activities and curriculum delivery

• describe how this project will impact on the team’s future ability to secure funding

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 38. Associate’s challenge

What makes this project challenging for the associate?

Explore:

• technical challenges

• resource challenges

• people and change management challenges

• commercial exposure

Your answer can be up to 200 words long.

Question 39. Associate skills

What skills, experience and aptitude does your associate need?

Explain:

• what skills, attributes and experience will be required by the associate to make them a good fit for the business partner

• the salary rationale for the associate, you can submit additional evidence within supporting documents section

If potential associates are named within the application, it will be withdrawn from the competition.

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 40. Associate supervision

Confirm the associate or associates supervision complies with the KTP model.

Associate supervision is essential to the success of the partnership.

The associate must spend the majority of their time working within the business. Supervision must be provided by:

• business partner supervisor: provides daily guidance and support at the business location

• knowledge base supervisor: delivers at least half a day of supervision per week (typically online)

• joint responsibility: both supervisors support the associate in delivering the project workplan and progressing their Personal Development Plan (PDP)

If the associate spends time at the knowledge base, daily supervision from the knowledge base supervisor is also required. The business supervisor must continue to supervise the associate during this period.

In addition, the knowledge base supervisor must meet face to face on a monthly basis, with the associate and business supervisor at the business location to review progress and provide supervision.

All supervisors and leads from both the knowledge base and business are expected to attend Local Management Committee (LMC) meetings in person in line with the Grant Offer Letter.

All partners acknowledge the authority of the Knowledge Transfer Advisers as the representative of Innovate UK within the project and recognise that non-compliance may result in claims not being approved.

Do you confirm the partners agreement to the above?

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

If your answer is no, your application will be rejected and not progressed any further.

Question 41. Associate arrangements

What additional support measures will be included as part of associate supervision?

Explain:

• the associates working arrangements, for example, office based, hybrid or virtual

• how the associate’s working arrangements will be managed

• any variation from standard terms of associate supervision

• any additional requirements

If no additional support measures are required, you may respond ‘none’.

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 42. Senior business employee’s background

How does the experience of the senior employee make them suitable for this role?

Explain how their experience at the business make them suitable for this role.

Your response must:

• give their name

• give their job title

• demonstrate the business partner or its group’s commitment to the partnership

• confirm you have the authority to commit resources to support the delivery of the project

• confirm you have the authority to ensure knowledge is transferred into the business

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 43. Business partner supervisor’s background

How does the business partner supervisor’s experience makes them suitable for this role?

Explain why their experience makes them suitable for this role.

Your response must:

• give their name

• give their job title

Explain the business supervisor’s suitability to:

• work in a team with the knowledge base supervisor and the associate

• give day to day support to the project

• offer guidance and mentoring support to the associate

• provide links to information and expertise available within the business

• drive embedding and commercialisation activities within the business

• work across the project team to ensure the business complies with knowledge base regulations to support the associate’s wellbeing

It is expected that the supervisor will ensure that the business gives consideration to any request for resources or training of business personnel required for the project to succeed and for its outputs to become embedded within the business.

If your project has more than one business partner supervisor, you must give the background details for each person and indicate who is the primary lead for associate wellbeing.

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 44. Knowledge base lead’s background

How does the background and experience of the knowledge base lead make them suitable for this role?

For the knowledge base lead, your response must:

• give their name

• give their job title

• briefly describe their role within the knowledge base

• describe how their subject knowledge, academic interest and experience are relevant to the challenges in the project

• confirm you have the necessary skills to contribute to the successful delivery of the project

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 45. Knowledge base supervisor’s background

How does the background and experience of the knowledge base supervisor’s make them suitable for this role?

For each knowledge base supervisor, your response must:

• give their name

• give their job title

• describe how their subject knowledge, academic interest and experience are relevant to the challenges in the project

• confirm you have the necessary skills to contribute to the successful delivery of the project

• outline how they will work with the business partner to support the associate’s wellbeing

If your project has more than one knowledge base supervisor, you must give the background details for each person.

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 46. Additional academic Support

Will there be additional academics supporting the project.

List each additional academic involved in the project and describe how their subject knowledge, academic interests and experience are relevant to the project.

You must also reference the specific sections of the workplan that outline the activities they will contribute to.

Your answer can be up to 100 words long.

Question 47. Workplan

How will you manage your project effectively?

Use the latest workplan template to detail your projects steps and stages, including benefits realisation phase and the exploitation phase.

You must select ‘Yes’ to confirm the completed template has been uploaded. If you select ‘No’ your application will not be considered for funding.

You must download the latest workplan template, complete it and upload it as a PDF with a file size of up to 10MB. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

Failure to upload a completed workplan on the latest template will mean the application will not be considered for funding.

Individual tasks in the workplan should typically have a four week duration to provide sufficient detail to support the assessment of the application.

The workplan must provide a summary of the technical aspects and the knowledge embedding activities undertaken in the project to deliver a legacy capability in the business.

Where there are two associates addressing different technical aspects of the project, they may work at the same time or may be staggered. The workplan should assume full time working although it should be noted that Innovate UK are open to part time or flexible working practices during project delivery and recognise that this may result in a longer overall project duration.

The workplan must include a summary of project risks and a summary Gantt chart indicating the inter-dependencies between tasks.

If your project has two associates, then two workplans must be provided and these must indicate inter-dependencies between the associate’s activities.

Workplans must be uploaded individually as appendices to this question. Each workplan must be a PDF, and no larger than 10MB in size. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

If your answer is no, your application will be rejected and not progressed any further.

Question 48. Local Management Committee members

Confirm that each Local Management Committee (LMC) member is aware of their role and responsibilities.

You must confirm that each member of the LMC is aware of their role and responsibilities. You must also confirm the knowledge base will provide the project secretariat.

Before the application is submitted you must ensure each LMC member is made aware their participation in the LMC is mandatory, should the application be successful.

As the formal project meeting, the LMC must be chaired by the senior business employee. Each member of the LMC must be listed in the Application Team section of the application. Once recruited the associate must also attend the meeting.

Attendees of the LMC meeting are:

• senior business employee

• knowledge base supervisor: associate one

• knowledge base supervisor: associate two

• business supervisor: associate one

• business supervisor: associate two

• knowledge base lead

• knowledge transfer adviser

• knowledge base project administrator

• associates

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

If your answer is no, your application will be rejected and not progressed any further.

Question 49. Previous funding and projects

Have any of the partners applied for or received other funding that relates to this application?

Innovate UK cannot fund a project that duplicates work previously supported through another grant or that is already receiving funding from another source.

Provide details of any grant applications made within the past five years that are linked to this project. This should include any funding received or applied for through UKRI or other funding organisations.

Applicants must separately list any KTP or AKT applications submitted by the business partner within the last five years, including the project numbers.

Applicants may also describe the impacts of previous KTP projects of any age, and additionality of the current application.

When two or more applications from the same business or group are made to the same round of KTP, each application must contain details to highlight the other submission. You must explain the reason for the multiple applications.

Applicants may also use this section to describe changes contained within this application when compared to previously rejected applications.

You are reminded that a business may receive funding for no more than four concurrent KTP projects and that Innovate UK compares applications across its entire portfolio for repetition and duplication.

You must not leave this answer blank. If no previous funding or projects state ‘None’.

Your answer can be up to 300 words long.

Question 50. Joint commitment statement

Confirm that a signed joint commitment statement has been uploaded.

The knowledge base partner and business partner must declare a commitment to work together on the project by completing our joint commitment statement template.

Download the latest joint commitment statement (JCS) template, complete it and upload it as a PDF with a file size of up to 10MB. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

If your answer is no, your application will be rejected and not progressed any further.

Question 51. Supporting documents one

Upload additional supporting documents as appendices.

You can use this question to upload up to three other supporting documents as appendices. For example, you can use this question to upload documents providing supporting evidence of the business partner’s finance position.

You must not upload photographs, excerpts from websites, electronic reports or documents that contain hyperlinks.

Appendices must be in PDF format with a file size up to 10MB. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

Question 52. Supporting documents two

Upload further supporting documents as appendices.

You can use this question to upload up to three other supporting documents as appendices. For example, you can use this question to upload documents providing supporting evidence of the business partner’s finance position.

You must not upload photographs, excerpts from websites, electronic reports or documents that contain hyperlinks.

Appendices must be in PDF format with a file size up to 10MB. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

Question 53. Confirmation of KTA support and declaration of accuracy

Confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

You must agree to the following declaration.

The partnership confirms:

• the nominated Knowledge Transfer Adviser has reviewed the application and supports its submission into the competition

• that all proposal partners are aware of the information provided by Innovate UK as part of the application process including, but not limited to, Innovate Funding Service competition and application supporting information, KTP guidance, KTP costs guidance, Associate and Supervisor handbooks, and the Associate Recruitment guide

• that the partnership agrees to abide by the rules and guidance contained within these documents and agree that subject to the terms of the Grant Offer Letter, in all matters, the decision of the KTP Programme is final

• that the proposal meets the overarching criteria for KTP and, to the best of their knowledge, the information provided in this grant application form is accurate and complete

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

If your answer is no, your application will be rejected and not progressed any further.

3. Finances

The knowledge base partner must provide details of the funding requested within each individual cost category for the project.

The categories are:

• associate employment costs

• associate development

• travel and subsistence

• consumables

• academic supervisor costs

• additional associate costs

• estates

• other

For full details on what costs you can claim, see the KTP project costs guidance.

Costs for consumables, travel and subsistence must be itemised and justified in the application.

The knowledge base partner must ensure the additional business cost estimates section is completed.

Using the tables provided the business partner must provide details of the business:

• financial position for the current financial year, if the latest filed accounts are more than nine months old at the date of the competitions funders panel

• financial position over the preceding two financial years

• financial contribution to support its own costs associated with its participation in the proposed project

• total number of staff within the business and group

The applicant knowledge base must undertake their own due diligence on the finances of the business to assess their ability to support their financial commitments to the project funding.

Background and further information

About the Knowledge Transfer Partnership

To find out more about KTP, read the KTP guidance.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, inputting sensitive, confidential, or proprietary information into AI tools risks breaching confidentiality, as data may be stored, used to retrain models, or otherwise exposed without consent, potentially violating privacy laws and professional ethics.

All examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from the experience of the applicants. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.

Additional support from the Welsh Government

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a core component of the Welsh Governments RD&I offer to businesses. Welsh Government will support the cost of projects with Innovate UK and on occasion may choose to fully fund a project when Innovate UK has insufficient budget.

Micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Wales (working with any UK knowledge base) may claim an enhanced grant rate supported by Welsh Government of 75% of the project costs of a KTP. Delivery of these projects must be within Wales. Virtual projects where the business is registered at an address in Wales are also eligible.

Welsh Government will also support projects from the third and public sector where the business and knowledge base are based in Wales. Third sector projects receive a grant rate of 75% and public sector 50% of project costs. This type of project is funded in their entirety by Welsh Government who limit the funding of third and public sector project to 10% of their portfolio. You must check with your knowledge transfer adviser before submitting an application to ensure eligibility and availability of funding.

Additional support from Invest Northern Ireland

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a core component of Invest Northern Ireland’s RD&I offer to businesses. Invest NI will support the cost of projects with Innovate UK and on occasion may choose to fully fund a project when Innovate UK has insufficient budget.

Working with the third sector

The Government defines the third sector as non-governmental organisations that are values-driven, and which principally reinvest their surpluses to further social, environmental or cultural objectives. It includes voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, cooperatives and mutuals. Third sector organisations are not usually able to participate in KTP, this includes business arms of charities or other third sector organisations that reinvest any surplus for social, environmental or cultural objectives.

About academic associate supervision

All academic supervision must be delivered weekly. Supervision can be delivered in one of two ways, either face to face or virtually. You must deliver academic supervision in the chosen format for the duration of the project.

You must clearly state in the “Associate Supervision” question which option you are choosing.

About project management meetings

A monthly project management meeting with the academic supervisor, associate and business partner is mandatory and must happen face to face.

About virtual business

The eligible costs for virtual businesses are different from those that operate a traditional business model. These differences reflect the ways in which virtual businesses operate and the additional flexibility it offers around location of staff.

Make sure you read the costs guidance document carefully and discuss the differences with your knowledge base and knowledge transfer adviser before submitting your application.

About management KTPs

Management KTPs (mKTPs) focus on increasing effectiveness and improving productivity through better management practices. They create a partnership with a UK business school or academics that can demonstrate how their experience relates to management practice.

Management KTPs are aimed at supporting micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SME). Large companies are considered on a case by case basis.

To find out more, read the Management KTP guidance.

About employing the associate

KTPs are typically advertised on a full time basis. Associates may apply to work on a flexible basis for the duration of the project via the employers flexible working policy.

When required, an appropriate visa must be in place to cover the duration of the project before the associate starts work.

Where an associate has not finished writing a thesis or dissertation, it is expected that this will be completed outside of the KTP project.

Supervisors Workshop

If your application is successful, the business and academic supervisors are expected to attend the Supervisors Workshop.

These half day workshops are run by Innovate UK Business Connect and delivered online.

Workshops generally take place within one month of the knowledge base receiving notification that the project will receive funding. Successful applicants will be notified of the dates.

Application queries from Innovate UK

The programme manager or their representatives may contact you via the application system to query aspects of your application.

Emails will be sent to the person that originally created the application. This is usually the first person in the Organisation Details section of the Application Team, which is found within the Project Details area of the application.

You cannot change the details of this person once the application has been created.

If queries are not responded to one week before the funders panel takes place, Innovate UK may impose changes to your project or applications may be withdrawn from the competition.

The Knowledge Base partner is responsible for ensuring all budget items comply with the cost‑guidance. Although budget requests are reviewed before Grant Offer Letters are issued, this does not confirm eligibility of items outside the guidance.

Innovate UK will not pay claims that fall outside the published cost guidance.

Data sharing

This competition is jointly operated by Innovate UK’s partner organisations (each an ‘agency’).

Any relevant information submitted and produced during the application process concerning your application can be shared by one agency with the other, for its individual storage, processing and use.

This means that any information given to or generated by Innovate UK in respect of your application may be passed on to Innovate UK, Innovate UK Business Connect, Innovate UK Business Growth, the Catapult Network, and any KTP financial supporters and vice versa. This would include, but is not restricted to:

• the information stated on the application, including the personal details of all applicants

• scoring and feedback on the application

• information received during the management and administration of the grant, such as Monitoring Service Provider reports and Independent Accountant Reports

Innovate UK may also share any relevant information submitted and produced during the application process concerning your application with Innovate UK’s national and regional UK third parties and partners who may contact you. For more information see how we handle grant applicant and grant holder data.

Innovate UK and our partner organisations are directly accountable to you for their holding and processing of your information, including any personal data and confidential information. Data is held in accordance with their own policies. Accordingly, Innovate UK, and our partner organisations will be data controllers for personal data submitted during the application.

Innovate UK’s Privacy Policy

Innovate UK Business Connect Privacy Policy

Catapult Network Privacy Policy

Business Growth Privacy Policy

Welsh Government Privacy Policy

Invest Northern Ireland Privacy Policy

Innovate UK complies with the requirements of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and is committed to upholding data protection legislation, and protecting your information in accordance with data protection principles.

The Information Commissioner’s Office also has a useful guide for organisations, which outlines the data protection principles.

Contact us

If you need more information about how to apply or you want to submit your application in Welsh, email support@iuk.ukri.org or call 0300 321 4357.

Our phone lines are open from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm UK time, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Innovate UK or any of our partners will not tolerate abusive language in any written or verbal correspondence, applications, social media or any other form that might affect staff.