Share of £12.5 Million for Business Innovation – Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Round 3

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) 2026–27 Round 3, delivered by Innovate UK, provides funding for UK businesses to work with universities, colleges, RTOs or Catapults on strategic innovation projects. The aim is to bring new expertise, skills and academic knowledge directly into businesses to solve challenges and support growth.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A share of up to £12.5 million in funding

• SMEs can receive funding covering up to 67% of eligible project costs

• Large businesses can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs

• Projects are encouraged to last up to 24 months, although longer projects may be considered with justification

• A dedicated KTP Associate is recruited to work on the innovation project

• Projects can cover a wide range of innovation challenges

• Priority is given to advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defence, digital & technologies and life sciences.

Who can apply?

• UK-registered higher or further education institutions, RTOs or Catapults must lead the application

• The project must involve a UK-registered business

• Businesses must have at least two full-time equivalent employees

• Businesses should demonstrate high-growth potential

• The business cannot apply alone; it must partner with an eligible UK knowledge base

• Applications must also be supported by an appointed Knowledge Transfer Adviser

• UK subsidiaries of overseas companies can participate if they are individually registered in the UK.

Application deadline: 14 October 2026 at 11:00am UK time.