KTP is one of the UK Government's most successful knowledge transfer programmes and has been working for UK businesses and universities over the last forty years. Each KTP is a three-way-partnership between a business, an academic team and a suitably qualified graduate.
The programme is intended to bring new capabilities to a business or organisation in order to solve a problem that is unique to the company. It has been proven to work with businesses in a wide range of sectors and sizes. In Northern Ireland, KTP projects are mainly funded by Invest NI and Innovate UK.
WHY KTP?
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) create dynamic connections between businesses and the UK’s world-class knowledge base to deliver strategic innovation projects that are tailored to the company’s specific needs. The partnership embeds vital new expertise, stimulates business growth and powers innovation excellence. Through KTP, many businesses realise positive, transformational change.
In addition to gaining the specific knowledge that a business requires, the graduate (know as the Associate) works specifically on the task of bringing a new capability into the business and ensuring that it is fully embedded in the organisation.
A KTP also provides your business with extraordinary and cost-effective access to the unique resources within Queen's University Belfast: research expertise, cutting-edge technology and equipment, and solution-oriented initiatives.
Recruitment of a Graduate
For all KTP projects, the graduate is employed by the university but contracted to work in your company, under your basic terms and conditions including holidays and hours of work.
Once your KTP has been approved for funding, we work with you to draw up a suitable employee specification and job description which is then widely advertised. Shortlisting and interviewing of candidates is carried out jointly, and interviews are held on the company premises.
The KTP team at Queen’s work hard to ensure that we recruit the right graduate for the job in your business.
Cost and Eligibility
KTP is available to a wide range of businesses and organisations.
From manufacturing to design, sustainability to marketing, we can work with companies in most sectors including microbusinesses to large enterprises. Here at Queen’s, we are always keen to talk to new organisations with new ideas and novel approaches.
The basic cost to an SME is around £30,000 (33% of the total grant) per year. For a large company, this will be around £45,000 (50% of the total grant) per year.
Projects typically last around 2 years.
WHY WORK WITH QUEEN'S?
Queen’s University Belfast is one of the leading Knowledge Base partners in the UK for KTP.
The commitment of the KTP Team is what sets Queen’s apart from other universities, colleges and research organisations across the nation.
The Queen’s KTP team offer an end-to-end support service; our delivery model is the national 'gold standard' for KTP management. We understand that each individual business will have differing needs and a thoughtful and engaging attitude when linking our academic researchers to your specific project is at the forefront of what we do.
ONE OF THE LEADING KNOWLEDGE BASE PARTNERS IN THE UK
520 GRADUATES EMPLOYED
COMPETITIVE SALARIES
BEST KNOWLEDGE BASE KTP TEAM
(KTP Best of the Best Awards)
22 NATIONAL AWARDS
430 PARTNERSHIPS WITH BUSINESSES
Over 80% of KTP Associates are offered a permanent position at the end of their project.
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Case Studies
KTP is embedding expertise, driving innovation and increasing revenue
Learn how KTP is growing businesses throughout Northern Ireland
Case StudiesRegister Interest
Find out how KTP can work for you