How it works


The funding specifics

The funding and company contribution for any individual Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) depends on the details of the specific partnership.

To qualify for funding, a KTP project must be of strategic importance to the company, and require expertise from De Montfort University. Ideally the project will be innovative, challenging, and demonstrate commercial or social impact.

KTPs can vary in length from six months to three years, depending on the needs of the business and the desired outcomes. Currently, a typical two year project will have an average annual cost of up to £30 thousand.

For a company entering their first KTP, annual company contributions are likely to be:

  • one-third of the project costs for an SME company
  • half of the project costs for a large company or group*

*Where a company is part of a group, the company size is determined by the number of employees in the group as a whole. Balance sheet and turnover criteria will also be taken into consideration.


The key components

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is made up of three partners:

  • The company
  • A KTP Associate (a recent graduate employed as the project manager)
  • De Montfort University (DMU)

The company

Your company's role in the KTP is to contribute to the total project costs and provide office space and supervisory support for the KTP Associate (employed graduate). The project costs cover not only employment and development expenses for the KTP Associate, but also contribute to the time and expertise of the University.

The KTP Associate

The Associate's role in a KTP is to work specifically on the project, and drive the project forward in coordination with the DMU Academic Supervisor. The Associate will transfer expertise, knowledge, and skills back into the company.

De Montfort University (DMU)

DMU's role is to provide the necessary expertise, knowledge, and academic supervisory support for the KTP Associate to ensure that the knowledge and expertise is embedded into the company. DMU also manages the project budget, and facilitates regular meetings to monitor the progress and track the benefits of the project.


"KTP pulls together a team of people for a common goal, to the mutual benefit of all partners. KTPs are a successful model for future business development that drives projects forward."

Alan Crummey, Academic Supervisor, Sure24 KTP


Contact us

Knowledge Exchange Team

T: +44 (0)116 207 8455

E: knowledgeexchange@dmu.ac.uk



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Mission and vision
