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.
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.
Knowledge exchange in practice
Discover how Heriot-Watt’s partnerships translate expertise into meaningful solutions. These case studies showcase successful collaborations with industry and communities, highlighting how we turn knowledge exchange into tangible impact, innovation, and growth.
Glenmorangie and Heriot-Watt: Sustaining Scotland’s natural heritage through oyster restoration
As part of Glenmorangie’s sustainability strategy, the Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project emerged through a collaboration with Heriot-Watt.
Port of Leith Distillery and Heriot-Watt University: redefining whisky innovation
In 2016, Port of Leith Distillery initiated a strategic collaboration with Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling through a KTP funded by Innovate UK
Driving innovation in logistics: how Trakm8 and Heriot-Watt transformed delivery optimisation
Heriot-Watt University’s long-term collaboration with Trakm8 has delivered award-winning optimisation algorithms, saving over £9.6m and reducing emissions by 3,000 tonnes.