The Technology Strategy Board is seeking high quality proposals for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, a programme proven to boost company profits by an average of £240k per annum.

KTP is a long-established national government scheme which provides up to 67% grant funding to enable companies to become more innovative, competitive and profitable by engaging in knowledge transfer with universities. The budget for KTP was reduced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review however the Technology Strategy Board who are the main funder is keen to increase the rate of submissions as there is funding available for good quality proposals in the current financial year.

• KTP funding of up to 67% is available for 6-36 month projects which can show high levels of innovation, impact and challenge in any industry sector. Despite being funded by the TSB, KTP funding is not restricted to technology programmes, there are lots of examples of programme in marketing, retail, social science and the arts.

• Companies must have a minimum of five employees, have been in business for at least 2 years and have accounts which show they can afford their commitment.

• SMEs are the primary target but large companies can participate if supply chain benefits can be demonstrated.

• Third sector organisations are eligible as long as a significant impact is forecast; public sector organisations, such as NHS Trusts, and Local Authorities can participate if they commit to disseminating findings to other similar organisations.

• R&D tax credits of up to 200% can be claimed against research elements of a KTP which makes them even better value for money.

• The latest annual report, published in August 2012, shows that KTPs result in an average increase of more than £240,000 in annual profits before tax, the creation of two genuine new jobs, and an additional 15 company staff trained.

• The University of Brighton has been offering KTP (and its predecessor TCS) for over thirty years, delivering over 200 successful programmes. The University has one of the largest KTP programmes nationally.

• The University of Brighton has specialists across a broad range of areas including Engineering, Computing, Pharmacy, Business and marketing, Environmental sciences, Art and Design, Architecture and the built environment, Product Design, Medicine and healthcare, Retail, Tourism, and Sport Science. See our case studies for examples.

The Centre for Collaboration and Partnership at the University of Brighton supports all stages of project scoping, proposal development and project administration. If you would like to discuss the scope for using KTP in your company please contact KTP Manager Dr Shona Campbell: s.e.campbell@brighton.ac.uk; 01273 642435