Archives: Insights

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.

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 IXYS UK Westcode Limited

IXYS UK’s strategic focus is the renewable energy sector, to contribute towards a greener economy and address specific opportunities where high performance and lifetime reliability are key to differentiation and gaining competitive advantage.

IXYS’s long-term vision is to establish itself as a centre of excellence for high reliability, high power technology (design and manufacturing); through the development and embedding of new tools, techniques and protocols, not only to enable future product development but also to support staff development and attract new talent, something that has been a long-term challenge for the business.

About this KTP 

The specific ambition for this project was to enable more reliable, solder-free busbar attachments within high power modules. The collaboration with the team at the University of Nottingham has exceeded expectations and provided a firm foundation for a wide range of exciting new products with contemporary applications.  The knowledge and skills embedded by this KTP have enabled IXYS UK Westcode (Littelfuse) to scale up and grow their business at pace, through access to world-class research expertise.

“Innovations delivered through this collaboration enable a wide range of exciting new applications.  The potential uses of high-power high-frequency semiconductors will be pivotal in helping achieve our net zero targets – particularly when employed for the next generation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.  

One application might be wireless inductive charging for example, which allows electric vehicles to automatically charge without the need for plug-in cables – potentially even whilst the vehicle is in motion driving with charging plates embedded in the road surface.  Solutions such as this will be required particularly for autonomous (ie. driverless) vehicles, which are expected to be constantly in use and never having to stop for recharging.”

Stephen Woodhouse, Knowledge Transfer Adviser – KTN

Status of the project 

The project is nearing completion, with Meghna still embedded with the company. For her outstanding work, Meghna was awarded a Future Leader Award at the 2021 KTP Awards. 

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.

In the next edition of the KTP Net Zero series, we take 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. 

About British Hovercraft Company 

The British Hovercraft Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational and small commercial hovercraft.

Their craft can be found on every continent, used for search and rescue, pleasure and commercial activities, from the lithium mines in Chile to lake Natron in Tanzania to the Ice and snow in Canada to almost every province in China. The company has over the last three years reinvested 30% of its turnover in Research and development, and its owners wish to transform their factory in Kent into a centre of excellence.

Two members of the team have recently been selected to become the first people to take part in a Marine engineering apprenticeship specifically specialising in Hovercraft design and production.

About this KTP 

The KTP between The University of Brighton and The British Hovercraft Company set to introduce and implement scientifically informed design and manufacturing processes to develop a first-to-market electric hovercraft. The project would see the transfer of application of advanced mechanical and simulation capabilities to streamline and optimise hovercraft performance for applications in new markets. James Halligan, Managing Director of The British Hovercraft Company had this to say about the project: 

“We believe that the KTP partnership with Brighton University will help us create a sustainable future for the manufacture of hovercraft in the UK for the foreseeable future, by taking a product invented in the 20th Century, and systemising the design and manufacture of this extraordinary craft, with the help of some of the best minds in the UK.”

It’s hoped that this revolutionary new vehicle will provide an alternative to the commercial and recreational market.

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.

Single-use materials from medical settings often require specific treatment to dispose of responsibly and reduce risks. However, extracting materials to reuse proves to be a more difficult task, making recycling materials challenging. Medisort has collaborated with the University of Brighton to make this process simpler, helping to reduce strain on non-renewable resources. 

About Medisort

Medisort collects, processes and disposes of healthcare waste including single-use instruments, sharps, medicinal waste and absorbent hygiene products from a range of customers.

The company aims to deliver a bespoke service to all customers which maximises segregation, ensures full compliance, delivers cost reductions and reduces environmental impact. 

About this KTP 

The project aims to develop waste treatment and material recovery processes, enhancing segregation and recyclability of bulk offensive waste materials from the healthcare sector. The work with the University of Brighton looks to embed microbiology, biomaterials and analytical chemistry expertise to develop waste treatment and material recovery processes to facilitate the development of novel products from bulk offensive waste, reducing disposal costs and valorising waste materials.

“Medisort’s engagement with KTP and The University of Brighton has achieved so much more than just progressing soiled nappy recycling, it has changed our attitude to continual learning, research and process development.”

Stuart Brittle, Managing Director – Medisort

The project is still ongoing and is expected to run until Spring 2022.

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.

Next up in the KTP Net-Zero series, we look 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.

About N2S

N2S are headquartered in Bury St Edmunds, and opening sites in Reading  & Mansfield, they are the UK’s market leader in IT lifecycle services which include WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) compliant IT Recycling and Data Destruction services (accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). 

N2S are passionate about increasing the circular economy of IT equipment in two ways; through encouraging resale/re-use and innovating environmentally friendly processes for extracting valuable metals from redundant technology.

About this KTP 

N2S partnered with Coventry University through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. This partnership has allowed N2S to access the expertise of  Dr. Sebastien Farnaud and Professor Derek Renshaw from the University’s Health and Life Science faculty as well as the printed electronics and electro-chemistry knowledge of Dr. John Graves, supporting them to develop an innovative solution to extract the valuable material within printed circuit boards through Bioleaching techniques.

Status of the project 

The project, which was completed this Autumn, has exceeded everyone’s expectations.  It has not only proved that the science can scale up to recover many more metals than originally planned, but N2S has also transformed into a biotechnology company, with new laboratories and staff trained to develop the technology further. For the University it has also been hugely successful:- Academic papers, new funding and PhDs to mention just a few of their benefits. The KTP Associate, who led the project, has started a new career heading up the new Bioleaching facility at N2S, after gaining technical and project management training as well as graduating from KTN’s Innovation Strategy course. 

Here’s what Sebastien Farnaud, Professor in Enterprise and Innovation in Healthcare and Technologies at Coventry University had to say about the project: 

“At Coventry University, we have developed an innovative, efficient and green solution targeting closed-loop systems, based on bioleaching technology to recover precious metals from e-waste. Thanks to an Innovate UK-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership project, this technology has been embedded at N2S Ltd premises, and has transformed their commercial capacities of IT waste management and revolutionised UK industry within the ‘circular economy’, whilst tackling environmental issues, and tightening security surrounding e-waste disposal.

“This project, which has been acclaimed by DEFRA at the launch of their Sustainability Alliance for IT, is demonstrating the impact of knowledge transfer between public domain and industry, economically, environmentally but also towards policy changes

“This is therefore a unique collaboration between a Life Science laboratory and a recycling company, which developed successfully a unique novel approach to recover metals from e-waste. This unique partnership opens the door to new applications worldwide that will change the industry and demonstrate a sustainable closed-loop system with waste as a source of materials for multiple supply chains.”

Jan Stringer, Knowledge Transfer Adviser at KTN added:

“This project was extremely challenging- not just scientifically but the wider investment and change management aspects required to deliver the huge innovation in this Suffolk based SME.

It was my great privilege to support the N2S/Coventry team, right from the initial planning to the final delivery- this is what KTP is all about- working in true partnership for mutual benefit of  all the partners- it is just a small example of how KTP and KTN can  Connect for Positive Change towards  a Net Zero world”  

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.

In this KTP between Techbuyer – a multinational IT hardware supplier – and the University of East London, 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.

About Techbuyer

Techbuyer is a global leader in the buying, refurbishing and selling of enterprise IT equipment. Not only does the company sell brand-new IT parts, it uses parts such as servers, memory and storage and turns them into low-cost, quality refurbished IT equipment.

Founded in 2005, Techbuyer has grown from a company run by just two people, to a global business with multiple warehouse facilities located worldwide. 

About Interact 

The outcome of the KTP between the University of East London and Techbuyer was a new SaaS offering, and sister company named Interact. The two organisations carried out a two year research project to develop the tool, with Academic leadership provided by Dr. Rabih Bashroush, a world expert on energy usage in the digital sector. 

The startup helps data centres increase energy efficiency, decrease costs and reduce the environmental impact of their IT hardware with a vendor neutral smart tool fed by real time product data from across the server market.

The tool conducts component and rack level analysis to recommend vendor neutral new and remanufactured solutions for hardware. Its detailed reporting provides optimum solutions for cost, energy reduction and carbon savings.

What’s happening now? 

Interact was launched in 2020 and is already gaining recognition in the market. Most notably, the startup has scored a number of major awards including a silver Stevie® for Tech Start-up of the Year (Software) at the International Business Awards, the shortlist in the UK IT Industry Awards’ UK Innovation and Entrepreneurship category and NTA’s Start-Up Technology of the Year award. 

The fledgling startup has been successful in its contribution to sustainability and was celebrated in DCS Awards’ Data Centre Efficiency Project of the Year, CRN Awards’ Sustainable IT Project of the Year, and in the Tech for Good category at the UK Business Tech Awards.

“When we wanted to take Interact from theory to reality but we lacked the expertise outside hardware-focused offerings. We also had limited experience finding and collaborating with a research body to give us that expertise. The KTP with the University of East London gave us the confidence and funding to take that jump from hardware to a SaaS proposition. 

We benefited from not only the experience of the Academic but also the KTA, who helped us balance the risks, gave us a project structure and has subsequently opened a world of opportunities within academia including new networks and expertise. 

We have used this newfound confidence to take research seriously within the organisation. Not only have we set up a sister company that incorporates the KTP team, our Technical Lead Rich Kenny has set up a new dedicated IT research team where a member of  the Future Leaders Fellowship from UKRI works closely with our KTP Associate Nour Rteil, now lead developer at Techbuyer.”

Astrid Wynne, KTP Chair and Sustainability Lead at Techbuyer.

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.

Next up in the KTP Net-Zero series, we head to the maritime sector. 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.  

About Silverstream Technologies

Silverstream Technologies is a leading maritime clean technology company. Its innovative technology, the Silverstream® System, is the market-leading air lubrication system (ALS) and can be fitted to new and existing vessels to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions.

Air lubrication fundamentally changes the interaction between water and a vessel’s hull, shearing air from air release units in the hull to create a carpet of microbubbles that coats the full flat bottom of a vessel. As a result, frictional resistance is decreased – dramatically reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions (consisting primarily of CO2, SOx and NOx).

As maritime cleantech market leaders, Silverstream understands the relevance and importance of its solution to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonisation goals and passionately believes in the role of proven, innovative solutions to enable a more sustainable shipping industry.

About this KTP 

The KTP with the University of Southampton and  KTP Associate Dr Josef Camilleri looks to utilise Artificial Intelligence and advance data analytics to enhance the performance of Silverstream’s air lubrication technology. The project is still ongoing and is expected to run until October 2022. Here’s what the KTP Associate had to say about the project: 

“The KTP is an excellent opportunity to apply the latest academic research and thinking to solve a real-world problem and help the shipping industry achieve its Net Zero targets. The challenge of applying air lubrication to a ship is complex and with many interrelated variables.

In this project, we are looking at using machine learning techniques to learn these complex relationships, not only to get a better understanding of the Silverstream® System’s behaviour, but also to optimise its performance across a wide range of operational and environmental conditions. It’s a fascinating project to be a part of and I’m very pleased to be working at Silverstream at such an exciting time in its growth journey.”

Josef Camilleri, KTP Associate – Silverstream Technologies

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.

In the first edition of the KTP Net Zero Series, we look at a recent project between the multinational technology firm – Siemens and Newcastle University. 

Siemens is a key provider of energy delivery systems, all leveraging data & analytics, software and management solutions. Within this offering is their ‘Smart Infrastructure (SI)’ system which provides a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio of products, systems, solutions and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption.

A key focus is on hardware and solutions for intelligent infrastructure, specifically to develop a smart power grid (or ‘Future Grid’) that can cater for the demands of tomorrow, including increased use of electric vehicle charging and other eMobility demands. 

The Challenge 

Degradation and the loss of performance of batteries is still a topic that is not fully understood. With drives being made to develop more sustainable, carbon-neutral transport modes, improving and monitoring battery performance and lifespan is crucial for the proliferation of eMobility modes.  

Siemens recognised the strategic importance of obtaining more knowledge of this area, with the challenge that it would require expertise outside more traditional methods of external business support. The organisation decided to exploit the expertise within the existing relationship with Newcastle University.

The KTP 

Newcastle University is one of a small group of research institutions holding global partnership status with Siemens. It was also selected by the organisation as a UK site for a Siemens Mindsphere Application Centre. 

Through the unique offering of the KTP, Lead Academic Dr Haris Patsios from the Electrical Power research group in the School of Engineering worked with Dr Tim Hughes, Global Product Lifecycle Manager at Siemens, to supervise the KTP Associate Parisa Akaber on the project. 

Additionally, the project was supported through funding by UKRI through Innovate UK’s KTP Programme and with expertise and delivery provided by KTN. Ian Blakemore, Knowledge Transfer Adviser at KTN provided support, advice and guidance for the project from inception to completion. 

The Project

The KTP focused on developing a deeper knowledge of degradations with a range of different battery technologies, with KTP Associate Parisa Akaber embedded into the SI team at Siemens to work more closely with the digital services element of the project. 

Whilst eMobility wasn’t a focus to begin with, a dramatic shift in market direction in the first 12-months saw the project shift their work towards this. This change was presented to the project team and was approved without issue. 

Subsequently, the KTP Newcastle team was integrated into a global project working alongside teams in India, Portugal, Germany and the USA. This new global focus saw the KTP team produce the first software prototypes for managing charging processes within electrical vehicle depots, or eDepots. 

Outcomes 

The key result from the KTP  was the development of key algorithms that optimise 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. The solution had clear results and has become one of the core offerings in Siemens’ e-depot management platform. 

This software will be offered globally to customers looking to charge large fleets of eVehicles, and with the inclusion of the new algorithm, they will be able to save energy and battery performance whilst doing it. In addition, this work has also helped in the development of a separate Siemens eDepot planning tool. 

Ultimately, the project saw tremendous resilience and agility, adapting to new work plans and coping with the hybrid and remote working schedules over the final year. Moreover, the solution has resulted in a global software product with a multi-million pound projected annual sales turnover that will help in the proliferation of more sustainable transport modes. 

The KTP was awarded the highest grade of ‘Outstanding’ by independent external assessors.  The project contributed to a patent; the development of new technologies for Siemens that are now in the market; a research paper by the Associate, and a joint paper, which is in development. The KTP was also instrumental in establishing several student research projects.

 

A Lasting Legacy

As a result of the work done by the project team, Parisa joined the Siemens team as a full-time employee once the project was complete.

Parisa Akaber, KTP Associate, said:

“Working as a KTP associate on a cutting-edge project between a leading academic team at Newcastle University and a global technology company in the energy sector like Siemens was a fantastic opportunity for me to marry my academic knowledge and expertise with real-world industry experience.”

Dr Tim Hughes, Global Product Lifecycle Manager at Siemens, said:

“The KTP has been the best experience I have had of a collaboration program with academia. This was a hugely positive experience for Siemens. Interfacing with the university in this way was very innovative and provided new perspectives on our product development.”

Dr Haris Patsios, Senior Lecturer in Power Systems at Newcastle University said: 

“I am delighted to have been part of this wonderful collaboration which was ranked as ‘Outstanding’ by Innovate UK. This KTP has had an extremely positive effect on the Associate’s development and career. It has boosted the University’s international profile by integrating our research in Energy into a wider global development project with a strategic partner. The result is an industrial product having direct and actual impacts to energy efficiency and decarbonisation, which also has a projected annual sales turnover of £4 Million of direct sales in the next 3 years. There’s actually not much more to wish for.”

Ian Blakemore, Knowledge Transfer Adviser at KTN, said:

“This project demonstrates the power of innovation in a large business, and that responding to market shifts, especially in developing areas, is critical. Without that the project would not have delivered the commercial outcomes that it has. It has been great to be part of the project team and mentor Parisa as the associate, which has created a solid technology platform for the business to build on for the future”.

Next steps

The knowledge transfer from the KTP will form part of the technology base for the optimisation of charging processes, which is a key USP for the cloud software. Increasingly, cloud software is also a driver of hardware sales. Looking ahead, Siemens plans to continue to invest in optimisation techniques to maintain a technology leader in this area.

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.

With the beginning of COP26, Net Zero has never been such an important discussion in public and has never been talked about more. Whether it be global, local or public <> private action to face this crisis, collaboration is at the heart of the fight. 

Collaboration makes up the foundations of every Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), and through these three way partnerships happening across the country, KTP is accelerating the UK’s journey to Net Zero. Across the country, we have a range of projects ongoing that are at the forefront of Net Zero innovation. 

In this piece, we’re going to examine the crucial role that KTP’s have as an effective vehicle for accelerating Net Zero innovations. We will also introduce a new Net Zero series, released daily during COP26, where we present a snapshot of the inspiring projects happening right now to tackle the climate crisis – read on. 

What are Knowledge Transfer Partnerships? 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships aim to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base.

KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with the support of co-funders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners including KTN, Knowledge Bases and Businesses.

KTPs are a three way partnership between a business, a Knowledge Base and a KTP Associate. Responding to the business need or opportunity the team delivers a company based project of between 1 and 3 years. Applying state-of-the-art knowledge to tackle product or service development, productivity improvements and a range of other objectives including the drive to Net Zero. Open Innovation projects such as KTP bring together highly skilled teams relevant to the specific project and accelerate innovations that tackle societal challenges and bring competitive advantage.

British Universities are at the forefront of climate change and other research areas applicable to achieving Net Zero. Businesses can harness this expertise and work collaboratively to accelerate their own journey. With a 45 year track record KTP is a proven mechanism to succeed.

Net Zero is a challenge that requires all organisations to pull in the same direction. Certainly, the market trend is looking more towards sustainable ideas, but there is a gap between innovation and commercialization. 

A glaring hole is taking expertise and breakthroughs from Knowledge Bases and making them available on the open market to create real change. This is where collaboration between industry and academia must take place, giving Knowledge Transfer Partnerships a unique position to facilitate meaningful synergies. 

KTP Net Zero Campaign

Over the next 14 days – whilst COP26 takes place – We’ll be sharing a range of inspiring examples from across our network that showcase the partnerships making a difference in tackling the climate crisis. 

Whether it be electric boats, e-depots or circular economy solutions, KTP touches every aspect, accelerating ideas from academia, into new commercial propositions to make a difference. 

Follow along via our Twitter & LinkedIn or along at #KTPNetZero as we give you a snapshot into these projects each day during COP26. 

Learn more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships here.