The KTP Awards, organised by Innovate UK, celebrate the best and brightest individuals and projects across the UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. Among them, the Future Leader Award recognises early-career associates who show exceptional promise. These are graduates who are already making a tangible difference in their organisations and who are seen as the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

KTP is a unique UK-wide initiative that connects a business, an academic institution and a graduate. This paid role enables graduates (Associates) to apply their academic knowledge directly in industry while driving meaningful change.

Shay McEvoy and Ansu Mary Alex, both Queen’s alumni and current KTP Associates, are being recognised for the significant impact they are making in their industries and their strong potential as future leaders.

Shay, a Business Management graduate, is leading a high-impact management KTP project with AB Pneumatics and Plastics 2000 in Moira, Co. Down, in collaboration with Queen’s Business School. His work focuses on improving business systems, streamlining operations, and supporting expansion into new markets. Shay’s leadership and fresh ideas are already driving measurable growth across both companies.

“Shay has brought energy, clarity, and direction from day one. His fresh perspective is already delivering measurable results and driving real change across both companies.”

Ansu, who holds an MSc in Environmental Engineering, has been with Moore Concrete Products Ltd for nearly three years. Her project centres on developing low-carbon concrete solutions that contribute to Moore Concrete’s net-zero ambitions and support sustainability in the construction sector. Ansu’s technical expertise and commitment to climate-conscious innovation are making a tangible difference in this resource-intensive industry. Ansu’s work exemplifies how KTP fosters impactful research and development within businesses.

The KTP Awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 in Manchester as part of the ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme.

We wish Shay and Ansu the best of luck at the Awards, as they represent Queen’s on a national stage, demonstrating both their personal achievements and the leadership potential nurtured through KTP.

KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with the support of co-funders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners including the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), Knowledge Bases and Businesses. Each partner plays a specific role in the support and delivery of the programme.