Mon, 04 December, 2023
Innovate UK, grant funded Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) were put under the spotlight recently at an in person event on 29 November 2023, organised by co-hosts and partners in the Anglia Ruskin Innovation Centre (ARIC), the TWI Innovation Network (TWIIN) and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), aimed at innovatively-minded businesses in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
The KTP scheme pairs companies and not-for-profit organisations with industrially orientated universities – for one-off projects that are designed to solve a specific, strategic innovation challenge faced by the business partner – either by developing a new or improved product or service, enhancing an existing process or building management capability. KTP projects can last from 12 to 36 months, depending on the scope, and provide the participating business with access to expertise and experience they don’t currently have in-house.
Over the course of an information-packed and knowledge-sharing afternoon, introduced by Julian Gibbs, Partnership Development Manager at ARU, an expert line-up of guest speakers, and representatives from TWIIN and ARU, gave a series of presentations:
- Sharon Perry, Knowledge Transfer Adviser, Innovate UK KTN, took the audience deep into the KTP offering
- Charley Nicholls, Chief Operating Officer of Lipolife, brought KTPs to life with a case study showing how the company participated in a successful KTP funded project, and has subsequently benefited from the exposure it provided to further collaborative opportunities
- Sarah Janes, Deputy Director, Student and Library Services, Marc Rothera, Science & Engineering and Business & Law Apprenticeships, and Sarah Bell, Partnership Development Manager, ARU, together explained the university's involvement in, and perspective on, KTPs
- Irmak Kockan, Innovation Consultancy Manager, TWI, talked attendees through the technology innovation acceleration support available through TWIIN that can help companies maximise their participation in this type of collaboration
During the event, attendees were able explore the suitability of their company / organisation and potential innovation project to a KTP, as well as network with other delegates. The afternoon drew to a close with a panel session, providing an interactive discussion forum where practical insights were shared and particular points of interest explored.
If you were unable to attend the event, but would like to know more about KTPs and how to get involved, please email to info@twi-innovation-network.com and we will be in touch.