The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP): 2026 to 2027 round 2 provides a share of up to £10 million in grant funding for innovation projects that bring together UK registered academic institutions, research and technology organisations (RTOs), or Catapults with businesses.

Overview

Administered by Innovate UK, this funding opportunity supports collaborative innovation projects that enable businesses to access specialist knowledge and expertise from academia. Partnerships are expected to deliver tangible outcomes for both the business partner and the knowledge base.

Funding and Benefits

Total fund: £10,000,000

Funding type: Grant

Applicants can apply for a share of up to £10 million. The business partner is required to contribute to the project’s costs.

Eligibility

To lead a project, an organisation must:

• be a UK registered higher education or further education institution, research and technology organisation (RTO), or Catapult
• collaborate with a UK registered business of any size that has two or more full-time employees

The business partner must also contribute to the project’s costs.

Application Process

Full opportunity details and application submission are managed through the Innovation Funding Service. Applicants should review the complete guidance and submit their proposals via the online system before the closing date.

Apply at: Innovation Funding Service – KTP 2026 to 2027 round 2

Deadline and Timeline

Opening date: 20 May 2026 at 9:00am UK time

Closing date: 24 June 2026 at 11:00am UK time

Publication date: 21 May 2026

Contact Information

For further details, applicants may refer to the full opportunity listing on the Innovation Funding Service or visit the UK Research and Innovation website at www.ukri.org.