Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
BCU Business Services now include and replace our SME business support previously offered through BCU Advantage. Discover more.
What
Match your innovation needs with academic expertise and part-funding
Who
UK businesses of all sizes across private, public and third sectors
When
Receiving enquiries now
Cost
Project specific¹
Partner with additional resource and expertise
Looking to launch a new project or find a business solution but lacking the man-power, specialist knowledge and funding?
A Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) with Birmingham City University (BCU) could give you the innovative thinking, expertise, and part-funding you need to plan and deliver success for your business venture.
What is a KTP?
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a three-way collaboration between a business with strategic innovation needs, a university that can provide bespoke academic knowledge and expertise, and a high-calibre graduate (KTP Associate).
KTPs are part-funded by Innovate UK, the United Kingdom's innovation agency. These projects have been instrumental in driving business growth and innovation for UK businesses for 50 years, through collaborations between businesses and academic institutions. Between 2010 and 2020, KTPs have generated over £2 billion for the UK economy, supporting around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge based institutions and over 850 graduates (KTP Associates).
KTPs available to UK businesses are:
Classic Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
Focused on developing new or improved products and services through bespoke technological solutions.
Project length: 18-36 months.
Management KTP (mKTP)
Management Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are specifically targeted at increasing and improving results through better management practices and strategic change.
Project length: 18-36 months.
Accelerated KT (AKT)
Short-term pilot schemes to test and accelerate your innovation concepts.
Project length: 2-4 months.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with BCU
Your BCU Knowledge Transfer Partnership will be a collaboration between:
- You and your business
- A high-calibre graduate or postgraduate, known as a KTP Associate (employed by BCU), seconded full-time at your business
- A team of BCU academic experts assigned to support your KTP project
- An experienced Knowledge Transfer Team to support the successful delivery of your KTP from start to finish
BCU has a vast amount of knowledge and experience in managing KTP projects with UK businesses since 1979. BCU is currently ranked by Innovate UK as as one of the leading UK universities for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
SBS Insurance Services Paul Fairbrass, Technical Director
The [KTP] partnership has helped us bring jewellery replacement into the twenty-first century and has exceeded our expectations. We've almost doubled the size of our team and upskilled our insurance claim handlers.
C.Brandauer & Co LTD Rowan Crozier, CEO
We were very excited about the potential of the knowledge transfer partnership with Birmingham City University from the start and it soon became an important part of the company's future technical development.
Our KTP partner success stories
METCLOUD – AI and machine learning project boosts investor interest
Discover how a BCU KTP helped cybersecurity firm METCLOUD, design an AI defence surveillance system and secure global investment interest.
Hadley Group – Digital construction platform helps win £100m housing project
Find out how BCU’s KTP developed a digital construction platform that led to Hadley Group winning a multi-million pound deal.
Evac+Chair – Innovative product design transforms neonatal care
Find out how a BCU KTP helped a leading manufacturer of evacuation chairs and equipment design a world-leading g-force reduction trolly that revolutionised neonatal safety.
Why choose BCU for your KTP?
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1. Experienced providers
For the last 45 years, BCU has continued to deliver successful KTP projects. We're also continually ranked as one of the top universities for delivering KTPs.
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2. Bespoke to your needs
BCU’s process ensures each KTP is aligned to your company’s individual growth aspirations, focused on driving commercial return-on-investment and improving competitiveness.
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3. Customer service focused
Our team is professional, reliable, timely and supportive, helping you with your additional service needs throughout your KTP project including writing the initial proposal, supporting with ongoing project management and dealing with any administration.
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4. A full, end-to-end service
BCU have an experienced Knowledge Transfer Team that handles the end-to-end delivery of your KTP project, from pre-development and submission through to post award delivery and recruitment of your Associate.
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5. Applied academic knowledge
In a KTP, our academic's state-of-the-art knowledge (such as Artificial Intelligence) will be embedded into your business operations with the support of the Associate, so that you can continue to improve even after the project is complete.
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6. Long term opportunities
Value the skillsets your KTP Associate brings? Many Associates continue to work with the business after completing the KTP, if the opportunity to become a direct employee of the business arises.
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7. Come back for more
Many companies are so pleased with the success of their BCU KTP that they have gone on to complete a second, third or even fourth project, extending their partnership over many years.
Enquire about BCU's KTP support
Send an enquiry and a member of the team will be in touch to discuss your needs.
KTP clients include:
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Probuild 360
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Hockley Mint
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Hadley Group
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MetCloud
