Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)

Heriot-Watt University’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) provide businesses with the opportunity to innovate, scale, and embed cutting-edge academic knowledge into their organisation. By connecting you directly with our world-leading researchers, facilities, and talented graduates, KTPs empower your business to tackle challenges, enhance competitiveness, and achieve sustained growth.

A standard KTP typically lasts between 12 and 36 months and involves a skilled graduate, known as a KTP associate, who works directly within your company on a strategically important project. Supported by dedicated academic experts from Heriot-Watt, the associate helps to transfer specialist knowledge into your business.

How a KTP benefits your business

• Access specialist expertise: Leverage the extensive research and skills at Heriot-Watt to develop new products, services, or processes and gain a distinct competitive advantage
• Cost-effective innovation: Substantial government funding typically covers up to two-thirds of project costs, significantly reducing your financial risks and enhancing returns
• Attract and retain talent: Employ a dedicated KTP associate, carefully mentored by leading academics, to embed new knowledge directly into your workforce, building lasting capacity and expertise

Who can take part?

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, from SMEs to large enterprises, across all industries, provided there is a strategic emphasis on innovation, growth, or improvement.

Get started with a KTP

Our experienced innovation team will guide and support you throughout the entire partnership—from initial application and funding guidance to project implementation and successful outcomes.

The KTP process

Follow our six simple steps below to help you understand if KTPs are right for your company.

1. Contact us

Tell us about the challenge facing your business or a project idea you have to drive innovation and growth.

2. Introduction and scoping

Meet with our Business and Enterprise team to discuss our research and the area of Heriot-Watt expertise suitable for your project. Further meetings with our academic experts will help to shape a research agenda focused on delivering your desired outcomes.

3. Funding

Work with us to develop a funding application. KTPs are funded by Innovate UK and Research Councils.

4. Recruit

Together, we'll recruit a high-calibre postgraduate who will be your research associate. They will manage the KTP project and will be based at your business.

5. Start

Start your one to three year project, support by the Business and Enterprise team. You'll have regular catch-ups between your academic, Innovate UK and the senior contact in your business, ensuring the project remains on track.

6. Support

You will receive support throughout your KTP. Your business will the have the option to explore further university opportunities after your project to help you with commercialisation and embedding.

Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AKTPs)

For businesses requiring rapid access to academic insight, we also offer Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AKTPs). These condensed partnerships run intensively for approximately four months, providing quick-turnaround solutions for time-sensitive innovation projects or pressing business challenges. An AKTP delivers the same academic rigour as a full-length KTP but is tailored for organisations needing immediate impact.

Contact our innovation specialists today to explore how a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Heriot-Watt University can transform your business.