Throughout the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) team have been releasing a series of snapshots into projects both coming up, ongoing or wrapped up that are at the forefront of the fight for Net Zero. 

Over the last fortnight, we’ve heard of KTP collaborations across the country each working to advance Net Zero in their particular field and industry. Here’s a retrospective of those projects.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships – Collaboration for Net Zero

First, on 1 November, we laid the framework for our Net Zero series by investigating just why KTP is an effective model for accelerating innovation and transferring knowledge from UK Knowledge Bases to industry. The programme also allows skilled academics and graduates the chance to become leaders in Net Zero. Read this piece here. 

Driving eMobility forward with Siemens and Newcastle University 

Next, we explored a project between Seimens and Newcastle University that delivered a key algorithm that optimises energy and charging management in eDepots. The solution demonstrated peak reduction of up to 50% and a total charging reduction of 27% when compared to unsupervised charging, helping to add more efficiencies to eVehicles in logistics. Discover this project here. 

Energy Efficient Shipping with Silverstream Technologies & University of Southampton

On the third day of COP26 and the KTP Net Zero series, we looked to the maritime sector and a project that is creating more energy efficiency. This KTP, between Silverstream Technologies and the University of Southampton, is working to introduce an AI solution to Silverstream’s air lubrication system to improve the efficiency of shipping. Read more here.

Carbon Reduction in IT Hardware with Techbuyer & The University of East London

In the next KTP, we outlined a project between Techbuyer – a multinational IT hardware supplier – and the University of East London, which saw the business develop a new sister company and tool named Interact. The tool helps organisations optimise their IT hardware to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. Its detailed reporting provides optimum solutions for cost, energy reduction and carbon savings. Read this blog there.

Circular Economy with N2S & Coventry University

On 5 November, we looked at N2S who are present in Glasgow at COP26. N2S and Coventry University are harnessing the power of biotechnology to extract valuable, precious and rare earth metals from printed circuit boards in an environmentally-friendly way. Read more about the project here.

Recycling Medical Waste with Medisort & University of Brighton

In this blog, we discovered Medisort and their collaboration with the University of Brighton the recycling of medical waste more simple, helping to reduce strain on non-renewable resources. Read more here.

Electric Aquatic Vehicles with The British Hovercraft Company & The University of Brighton

On 10 November we took a look at electric hovercraft. This KTP between The British Hovercraft Company and the University of Brighton is working to introduce a more sustainable option of aquatic transportation. The project is in its infancy, having started in September 2021, but here is what they are looking to achieve through their KTP. Read more here.

Enabling Reliability in Renewable Energy with IXYS UK Westcode Ltd & University of Nottingham

In the last edition of the KTP Net Zero Series, we turn to the renewable energy sector, with a collaboration between IXYS UK Westcode Limited, University of Nottingham and Future Leader winner at this years’ KTP Awards – Meghna De. 

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are a dynamic three-way collaboration between a business or not for profit organisation, one of the UK’s world-class knowledge bases, and a suitably qualified graduate. 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are funded by a grant to the university from Innovate UK and other government co-funders, and a cash contribution from the business involved. The programme is delivered by Knowledge Transfer Network, a network partner of Innovate UK.

Interested in learning more? Find out here.