Bringing together the worlds of research and business for 45 years, KTPs offer a real opportunity to enhance business-relevant research and teaching. They increase the profitability of innovative businesses and deliver on-the-job professional development for researchers to enhance their commercial and specialist skills. Aston has been involved in KTP since the beginning of the programme and has had over 130 successful projects – in disciplines across all of our Colleges.
What is a KTP?
KTPs are a powerful way of reaping the real-world benefits of cutting-edge knowledge, with projects of between 12 and 36 months that have a lasting, positive impact on all participants. Our focus on research with practical and tangible applications allows us to effectively build on the knowledge base, technology and skills that the University has to offer.
Funding comes from 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 the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), Knowledge Bases and Businesses. Each partner plays a specific role in the support and delivery of the programme.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Aston University
- KTP at Aston University
Find out how a KTP can help your business innovate, compete in new markets and increase profitability.
- RDM Group
Dr George Vogiatzis, supported by Dr Diego Faria, is leading the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Aurrigo (part of the RDM Group), to develop and implement a sophisticated machine vision solution for autonomous vehicles in low-speed environments.
- Rayner Intraocular Lenses Ltd
Aston University’s world-leading optometry scholar Professor James Wolffsohn led the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Rayner Intraocular Lenses, to develop next-gen lenses that will give patients a high-quality full range of vision without the need to use spectacles. Professor Wolffsohn was supported by Professor Leon Davies.
- Cognition Communications Ltd
Dr Carl Senior is leading the Aston University team that includes Professor Adrian Burgess and Dr Sylvia Wong working with Cognition. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) will make the company the first UK marketing agency to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns through electroencephalography (EEG) technology.
- Optimec Systems Ltd
Dr Antonio Fratini was supported by Dr Patrick Geoghegan on the second successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Optimec to improve the calibration processes of the is830, a state-of-the-art instrument created to measure contact lenses during the first KTP.
- Qualitetch Components Ltd
Dr Qingchun Yuan and Dr Zhentao Wu worked with steel etching company Qualitetch Components Ltd through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The KTP developed a novel membrane filtration system to eradicate contamination and increase productivity.
- Biocleave Ltd
Professor Roslyn Bill and Dr Alan Goddard are working with biotechnology company Biocleave Limited through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The KTP will develop the company’s capacity to express and purify membrane proteins to explore new market opportunities.
- Metal Assemblies
Professor Ben Clegg led the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with automotive firm Metal Assemblies to improve company operations using industry 4.0 tools. Professor Clegg was supported by Dr Donato Masi.
Aston's KTP Success
- We are in the top ten most active universities delivering Knowledge Transfer Partnerships in the UK.
- We won the 2020 Best of the Best Awards for most effective Initiative from a Knowledge Base Team.
- Aston University KTP Associate Radovan Gallo won the Future Innovator category of the 2019 KTP Best of the Best Awards.
- Companies engaging with our KTP team see an average ROI of 1,107%.
