Queen’s is the only UK university to be shortlisted in all three categories out of hundreds of eligible projects spanning five decades.

The Innovate UK KTP ‘Golden’ Awards have been designed to recognise and celebrate KTPs, the national scheme to drive innovation by linking academic researchers and students, industry and business. They are funded by Innovate UK with support from other government bodies and industry partners and in Northern Ireland, Invest NI.

Taking place on Wednesday 29 October 2025 in Manchester, the Golden Awards will honour the most impactful projects, partnerships, and practitioners to come out of the scheme.

The shortlisted Queen’s projects are:

• Driving Innovation for the Future – Queen’s & Macrete Ireland Ltd
• Knowledge with Impact – Queen’s & Navico Group
• The Art of Successful Collaboration (Practitioners) – Queen’s University Belfast

Following on from the shortlisting process, Innovate UK is encouraging the public to vote for the ultimate winners, with an online vote ending 5pm, Friday 17 October 2025.

You can find out more about the projects at the links above and vote here: https://grantplatform.ktp-uk.org/auth/login

Economic impact

For nearly 40 years, Queen’s University has helped shape the story of KTPs, driving innovation through 400+ partnerships, supporting over 500 associates, and generating around £300 million economic impact in Northern Ireland. From advanced manufacturing and digital transformation to life sciences and creative industries, Queen’s-led collaborations have delivered solutions that not only strengthen businesses but also enrich communities, shape industries, and inspire change.

From the iconic red London bus to medical devices, aerospace interiors to the guitars of global musicians, Queen’s-led innovation has had widespread impact.

Head of KTP and Business Engagement Programmes at Queen’s, Lorraine Marks said:

“These awards aren’t just about projects – they’re about people. From the associates who drive each project forward with fresh thinking to the academics who translate research into real-world impact and the businesses that take bold steps to innovate.

“Every KTP reflects what sets Queen’s apart - our commitment to collaboration, our passion for progress, and our belief that knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied. “We are especially proud of our partner companies, Macrete Ireland Ltd and Navico, whose collaboration and ambition have been key to these nationally recognised projects.

“We wish all of our projects the best of luck for the big final and I would encourage everyone in our University community to Vote Now!”

Please note: Voters must register on the GoodGrants platform. On the first page, where it says ‘Application Name’, voters should enter their own name. The voting menu is on the last tab.

Media

Media inquiries to Una Bradley u.bradley@qub.ac.uk