OpenProgramme
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP): 2026 - 2027 Round 4
service.gov.uk (full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service)
The KTP programme connects businesses with knowledge bases to foster innovation and address specific challenges. Applications are open until November 30, 2026.
- Who can apply
- be a UK registered higher education (HE) or further education (FE) institution, research technology organisation (RTO) or Catapult be a UK registered business Through the KTP programme, Innovate UK seeks to support innovative businesses with the ambition to scale and grow in the UK. a UK knowledge base, acting as lead organisation and submitting the application All projects should align with the six Industrial Strategy’s sectors prioritised by Innovate UK. invite one UK registered business into the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) application agree to attend specified meetings at a location identified by the business partner 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. 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. 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. The KTP programme is accessible to any UK registered business. This is normally demonstrated on a public register, such as on Companies House. UK subsidiary businesses of overseas parent companies are eligible, provided they are individually registered in the UK. 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. 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.
