Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
Closes in 61 days
Applications close 2026-10-14.
Innovate UK typically funds ~67% of project cost for an SME (~33% for a large company); the business contributes the balance. Round 3 of 2026-27 had up to GBP 12.5m available.
You must co-fund 33%.
Innovate UK (UKRI)
public · national
Deadline: cutoff — KTP runs multiple rounds a year. 2026-27 Round 3 opened 13 August 2026 and closes 14 October 2026.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Major bid — written case, budget, possibly partners.
You fund 33% yourself.
Who can apply
- Stage: seed, series_a, growth
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
Application is submitted by the knowledge base partner, not the company. Projects typically 12-36 months.
How to apply
- Find a knowledge base partner (university, college, RTO or Catapult)
- Contact a local Knowledge Transfer Adviser via Innovate UK Business Connect
- Co-develop the project and recruit an Associate
- Knowledge base submits the application on behalf of the partnership
- Assessment panel decision
What you will need
- Joint application form with the knowledge base
- Business case and financial contribution evidence
- Associate role specification
Source. https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/ — checked 2026-08-14
"Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP): 2026-2027 Round 3 - up to GBP 12.5 million for academic institutions, RTOs or Catapults partnering with businesses."