Knowledge Transfer Partnership 2026–27, Round 4

Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) support innovation projects in which a business works with a UK research organisation to access expertise it does not hold internally. Suitable projects can address health technology, life sciences, care delivery, digital products or other business innovation challenges, provided they fit the wider KTP programme criteria.

Who can apply

An eligible UK higher or further education institution, research and technology organisation or Catapult must lead the funding application. It must collaborate with a UK-registered business with at least two full-time employees. The business partner contributes towards project costs and should be closely involved in applying the new knowledge and capabilities.

What the project should show

The proposal should identify a substantial strategic challenge faced by the business, why the research partner’s expertise is essential, a practical innovation project and tangible commercial or operational outcomes. The published round has a total funding allocation of up to £12.5 million, which is not the maximum award for an individual applicant. Read the full Innovation Funding Service guidance for eligible costs, grant contribution and project duration.

Applications close on 27 January 2027 at 11am UK time.

Delivery and contribution

The knowledge-base partner recruits an associate to deliver the strategic project with the business. Projects should normally be deliverable within 24 months, with up to 36 months possible where justified. SME projects may receive a grant contribution of up to 67% of eligible costs; the contribution for large businesses is up to 50%. The business pays the balance. A Knowledge Transfer Adviser must support the application. This is a partnership and knowledge-transfer route rather than standalone business R&D funding.