Kingston University London

Knowledge Connect

This grant voucher scheme, funded by the London Development Agency is designed to stimulate new collaborations between business and universities within London. The innovation vouchers of £3,000 (mini grant) or £10,000 (matched by the company in cash or kind) provide a low risk entry point for engaging with a University on a strategic research development project. Small and medium size businesses are targeted for this scheme, especially those who have not worked with academics or consultants before.

Shell STEP

Fresh perspectives from students working for you during an eight week summer project can make a difference to a forward-thinking SME which contributes a portion of wage costs (approximately £210 per wk). Second year students or new graduates take part in this long-established scheme, sponsored by Shell.

London Innovation Placement Programme

Masters, PhD students and second year undergraduates contribute their expertise to challenging innovation projects in West London through this scheme. Projects can be four, six, eight or twelve weeks in length at the cost of £250 per week to the employer.

Innovation Associates Programme

Kingston University masters, PhD students and second/third year undergraduates contribute to challenging innovation projects in London-based SMEs through this scheme. Projects are six weeks in length at the cost of £800 in total to the employer. This scheme is part funded through the European Development Fund.

Short Knowledge Transfer Partnership (sKTP)

This short KTP is aimed at solving short term, tactical problems within a company. Projects can be from 10 to 40 weeks in length and may precede or follow on from a classic KTP. Government grants are available for up to 60% of costs for SMEs, reducing to 40% for larger organisations.

Knowledge Catalyst

Small companies (up to 50 staff) across the UK qualify for this research council-funded programme aimed at using academic expertise to benefit business. A skilled graduate will work with you for up to 15 months supervised by an academic; grants of 60% of the project’s costs are available from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

A skilled graduate will join your organisation to work on a long term strategic project for up to three years. They will be supported by expert academic supervision. UK businesses, charities and public bodies such as local authorities and the NHS can apply. Businesses involved in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships need to have identified a strategically important project – with the objective such as improving turnover, gaining market share, intellectual property and a competitive edge. Government grants are available for up to 60% of costs, with the remaining costs met by your organisation. (For large organisations the government contribution is reduced to 40%).

Knowledge Transfer Fellowship

This UK-wide scheme, with research council sponsorship, must be founded on existing, completed research in the arts and humanities. An academic, or academic team, will work full-time or part-time with your organisation for up to three years. It attracts funding of 80% of the project’s full economic cost, up to £1M from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. There is no financial contribution required from the business or charity organisation.

• Institute of Knowledge Transfer
• KTPonline
• Auril

Brian Fender from the Institute of Knowledge Transfer explains knowledge transfer and the important role universities play.

Watch this video on YouTube.

How can I be sure that a KTP is right for me?

We can send a business adviser to meet you and discuss your company's needs. The business adviser can recommend a KTP or a range of other solutions available within the group.

Read more questions like this

• KTP Projects: 10-40 Weeks (PDF)
• An Overview for Business (PDF)