The Innovate UK Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) scheme supports collaborations between a Knowledge Base partner and a Business Partner. This initiative aims to deliver rapid and targeted interventions to accelerate the evaluation or development of innovation projects, with the potential for significant impact on the Business Partner.

Focus and Objectives

Projects funded under this scheme must focus on improving treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and prevention for people with drug or alcohol addictions. The goal is to foster innovation in addressing addiction-related challenges through collaborative efforts.

Each project should establish a new partnership or consolidate an existing collaboration between the Knowledge Base and the Business Partner. This is achieved through effective knowledge exchange activities.

The application must be submitted by the Knowledge Base partner, but it should be developed in close partnership with the Business Partner. The Knowledge Base will be the sole recipient of the grant.

Funding Details

The maximum grant available is £35,000 per project. Projects must be completed within a 13-week timeframe, emphasizing rapid and targeted interventions.

The Business Partner is required to contribute a minimum of 10% of the total project costs in cash. There is no upper limit to the cash contribution from the business.

A total of up to £2 million is allocated to fund innovation projects under this competition.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include UK registered academic institutions, RTOs (Research and Technology Organisations), or Catapults. These entities must partner with businesses, not-for-profit organizations, or public sector organizations.

The Knowledge Base partner must be eligible to register for the KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) program, though registration is not mandatory.

• UK registered

• Academic institution, RTO or Catapult

Key Dates and Deadlines

The competition opens on Monday 12 May 2025. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 2 July 2025 at 11:00am UK time.

Applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

For accessibility support, contact Innovate UK at least 15 working days before the closing date to ensure suitable support can be provided.

Application Process

The application must be submitted by the Knowledge Base partner. However, it should be developed in partnership with the Business Partner.

Businesses without an existing relationship with a knowledge base partner are encouraged to contact their local knowledge base. This will help in exploring the opportunity in more detail.

Ensure all application materials are complete and accurate before submission. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be rejected.