Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

As part of our 50 Faces of KTP campaign, we are celebrating the people who have helped embed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at the heart of institutions across the UK. Karl Ward's connection to KTP stretches back to the programme's earlier days as the Teaching Company Scheme. In the late 1990s, while working as a university researcher, he helped promote the scheme through industry engagement, recognising its potential to strengthen collaboration between businesses and academia. He continued this work as Research Director at a national trade association before moving into KTP management roles in higher education. When Karl became KTP Manager at Newcastle University, he expanded his contribution to the wider KTP community by volunteering as a regional representative on the KTP National Forum. In 2020, he was elected Co-Chair alongside Sophie O'Callaghan, supporting Chair Hazel Juggins. Following a move to Northumbria University, he rejoined the Forum in 2025 and now serves as Chair, continuing to represent and support KTP practitioners across the UK. Throughout his career, Karl has remained focused on one goal: helping partners, Associates and academic teams achieve the best outcomes from the programme. His approach has always been practical, collaborative and centred on finding solutions that help projects succeed. One of Karl's most significant contributions came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Newcastle University's KTP portfolio successfully navigated a period of disruption. The challenges faced during that time helped shape discussions within the National Forum, contributing to changes that continue to benefit the programme today, including approaches to virtual supervision and remote Local Management Committee meetings. Karl has also played an important role in strengthening the practitioner community. His willingness to share experience, answer questions and support colleagues has made him a trusted figure within the network. Many KTP professionals know him as the person who responds to difficult questions with practical advice and examples, helping others navigate challenges with confidence. What makes Karl's journey distinctive is his commitment to simplicity and clarity. While programmes and partnerships can be complex, his instinct is to remove barriers rather than add them, ensuring the needs of Associates, businesses and academics remain at the centre of decision making. That trusted and pragmatic approach has earned the respect of colleagues across the KTP community. Karl's story demonstrates the value of leadership, collaboration and commitment to improvement. Through decades of involvement with KTP, he has helped shape the programme, supported countless partnerships and strengthened the community behind its success. Join us each week as we continue to share the stories of the 50 Faces of KTP, the people making partnership work. #38 #KTP50 #KnowledgeTransfer #Innovation #Collaboration #Leadership #50FacesofKTP

As part of our 50 Faces of KTP campaign, we are celebrating the people who have helped embed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at the heart of institutions across the UK. Ceri Carr's KTP journey spans more than three decades and has helped shape The Manchester Metropolitan University into one of the UK's leading KTP institutions. Beginning her career supporting food science KTPs at the university's Hollings campus, Ceri recognised the untapped potential of KTP and the opportunity to create a more coordinated, institution-wide approach to knowledge exchange. In 2012, alongside her colleague Dr David Woollard, Ceri helped drive the decision to centralise KTP support across Manchester Met. The move transformed the university's approach to KTP, creating a strong foundation for growth and establishing a dedicated support team that continues to deliver sector-leading practice today. Under Ceri's leadership, Manchester Met has grown into one of the UK's top institutions for KTPs, achieving a 90% application success rate across 184 submissions and delivering more than 165 partnerships across the public, private and third sectors. She has championed KTP across all four faculties, supported the development of innovative partnership models and helped position the university at the forefront of new KTP funding opportunities. Beyond the numbers, Ceri's impact can be seen in the people and communities she has supported. She has helped create new opportunities for academics, researchers and Associates, while building strong partnerships across the North West innovation ecosystem. Her collaborative approach has strengthened links between universities, businesses and innovation agencies, helping more organisations access the benefits of knowledge transfer. What makes Ceri's journey stand out is her vision, resilience and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Through changing funding landscapes, organisational restructures and personal challenges, she has remained a passionate advocate for KTP, continually finding new ways to maximise its impact for individuals, institutions and regions. Widely recognised for her leadership and long-standing contribution to KTP, Ceri has helped establish Manchester Metropolitan University as a leading institution within the programme. Her strategic vision, collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement have influenced KTP practice across the wider sector. Ceri's story demonstrates how long-term commitment, strategic vision and collaboration can create lasting impact. Through her leadership, she has transformed KTP at Manchester Met and helped strengthen the programme's influence across the wider innovation community. Join us each week as we continue to share the stories of the 50 Faces of KTP, the people making partnership work. #37 #KTP50 #KnowledgeTransfer #Innovation #Collaboration #Leadership #50FacesofKTP

As part of our 50 Faces of KTP campaign, we are celebrating the people who have helped embed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at the heart of institutions across the UK. Professor Bamidele Adebisi's KTP journey began in 2016 with his first project alongside Aquacheck Engineering. As his first industry-led collaborative R&D venture, the experience challenged him to balance academic rigour with the pace and commercial expectations of industry. It sparked a passion for knowledge transfer and laid the foundation for a decade of KTP success. Since then, Bamidele has become The Manchester Metropolitan University's most successful KTP academic, leading award-winning partnerships across a range of sectors. Working with businesses including Aquacheck Engineering, Arctic Hayes, BlueSky Tec, I Want Plants, Enspec and HalioGen Power, he has consistently delivered projects that translate research into real-world impact. His achievements include two Best KTP Awards, recognition for technical excellence and mentoring Associates who have gone on to receive national recognition. The impact of Bamidele's work extends far beyond individual projects. His KTPs have contributed to patent applications, supported the development of national standards and helped businesses strengthen their innovation capability and commercial growth. At Manchester Met, two of his KTP projects formed the basis of REF2021 impact case studies, including a world-leading submission focused on Smart Systems and Industry 4.0. Alongside leading successful partnerships, Bamidele has become a passionate advocate for KTP within the academic community. He has mentored academics new to the programme, helping develop the next generation of knowledge transfer leaders. His support has led to new KTPs and Accelerated Knowledge Transfers, while his capacity-building initiatives have equipped academics and Associates across the North West with the skills and confidence to engage in knowledge exchange. What makes Bamidele's journey stand out is his ability to combine academic excellence, industrial understanding and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Originally intending to pursue a career in medicine before choosing engineering, his path has taken him from Nigeria to the UK and from research to becoming a recognised leader in knowledge transfer. Bamidele's contribution to KTP has been recognised at the highest level. In 2025, he was awarded an MBE in the King's New Year Honours for his contributions to knowledge transfer and innovation. Through his leadership, mentorship and advocacy, he has demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration and helped expand the reach and impact of KTP across Manchester Met and beyond. Join us each week as we continue to share the stories of the 50 Faces of KTP, the people making partnership work. #36 #KTP50 #KnowledgeTransfer #Innovation #Collaboration #Leadership #50FacesofKTP

We are pleased to announce our second Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Ardent Limited, which is set to drive smarter, more sustainable manufacturing practices in the UK. Experts in Leeds Business School and School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing @ Leeds Beckett University are working with Ardent to develop an intelligent business system to increase productivity and profit. Our first KTP project with Ardent completed in 2025 and was awarded the highest possible grading of Outstanding by funders Innovate UK. The team are now recruiting a graduate to manage the new project as a KTP Associate in the role of Business Systems Lead. Find out more about the new project and job role here: https://lnkd.in/e7X-y8Uc

As part of our 50 Faces of KTP campaign, we are celebrating the people who have helped embed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at the heart of institutions across the UK. Serena Broadway's career has been built around helping people, organisations and ideas connect to create meaningful innovation. As Senior Knowledge Transfer Adviser for the East of Scotland at Innovate UK Business Connect, she leads support for KTP across Scotland and works with partners across the innovation ecosystem to help organisations access the expertise they need to grow and innovate. Over the past five years, Serena has supported more than 40 KTP projects across Scotland, helping businesses collaborate with universities and research organisations to develop new products, improve processes and build capability. Through her work, organisations have been able to access world-class expertise and deliver projects spanning digital transformation, sustainability, advanced technologies and business growth. As part of her role, Serena leads a team of advisers across Scotland and the North West of England, helping to strengthen KTP delivery and support collaboration across regions. Her approach is rooted in partnership working, bringing together businesses, academics and innovation agencies to create opportunities that generate lasting impact. Before joining the KTP community, Serena built an impressive career supporting innovation across the UK. Her work leading the coordination of the £22 million BBSRC Diet and Health Research Industry Club brought together leading academics and industry partners, demonstrating her ability to build communities that accelerate innovation and knowledge exchange. What makes Serena's journey stand out is her passion for connecting people, ideas and opportunities. With experience spanning multiple sectors, including agrifood and research innovation, she understands how knowledge can move from research into real-world application. Colleagues know her as a collaborative leader who is always willing to support others and champion new ideas. Serena's story highlights the vital role advisers play within the KTP ecosystem. Through her leadership, enthusiasm and commitment to collaboration, she has helped businesses, universities and innovation partners come together to deliver impact across Scotland and beyond. Join us each week as we continue to share the stories of the 50 Faces of KTP, the people making partnership work. #35 #KTP50 #KnowledgeTransfer #Innovation #Collaboration #Leadership #50FacesofKTP

As part of our 50 Faces of KTP campaign, we are celebrating the people who have helped embed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at the heart of institutions across the UK. Alastair Dawes's involvement with KTP spans more than 20 years and two academic institutions, during which time he has played a significant role in helping embed knowledge exchange and partnership working within university environments. Throughout his career, he has supported around 25 KTP projects directly, working with businesses, academics and Associates to develop workplans, shape project delivery and build strong foundations for successful collaborations. While his direct involvement in projects is substantial, Alastair's wider contribution extends far beyond the numbers. Known for his willingness to share knowledge and support colleagues, he has helped many academics take their first steps into KTP, offering guidance, strategic insight and practical advice throughout the process. His encouragement has inspired others to become involved in the programme and helped grow institutional commitment to KTP. Working within universities that did not have an established history of business-facing research, Alastair played an important role in building momentum and demonstrating the value of collaborative innovation. Through periods of organisational change and academic restructuring, he consistently championed KTP, helping to ensure partnerships remained a priority and supporting the growth of institutional KTP portfolios. Colleagues describe Alastair as knowledgeable, approachable and generous with his time. Whether supporting individual projects, advising fellow academics or sharing best practice across institutions, he has always been committed to helping others succeed and ensuring KTP continues to thrive. What makes Alastair's journey stand out is his lasting influence on the people around him. By inspiring colleagues, mentoring new participants and advocating for partnership working, he has helped create a culture where KTP can flourish and deliver impact for businesses, universities and communities alike. Alastair's story demonstrates that the success of KTP is built not only on individual projects, but also on the people who encourage, support and inspire others to get involved. His dedication over two decades has helped strengthen the programme and leave a lasting legacy across the institutions and individuals he has supported. Join us each week as we continue to share the stories of the 50 Faces of KTP, the people making partnership work. #34 #KTP50 #KnowledgeTransfer #Innovation #Collaboration #Leadership #50FacesofKTP

Final call for applications to the 2026 Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Awards. This is your last chance to share your partnership’s achievements and be recognised on a national stage.    Apply before 19 August, 5pm: https://lnkd.in/d287FK2J    #KnowledgeTransfer #Innovation #Collaboration #KTPAwards2026

As part of our 50 Faces of KTP campaign, we are celebrating the people who have helped embed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at the heart of institutions across the UK. Annie Duffin's KTP journey demonstrates the vital role that skilled programme and support professionals play in enabling successful partnerships. As KTP Officer at the University of Reading, Annie has become an integral part of the university's growing KTP success, helping to expand its portfolio from three to twelve projects and supporting more than £2.2 million in funding. Annie works across the full KTP lifecycle, from identifying opportunities and supporting applications through to project delivery and financial management. Working closely with academics, Business Relationship Managers and professional services teams, she helps ensure projects run smoothly, remain compliant and deliver strong outcomes for all partners involved. A key part of Annie's contribution has been developing systems and processes that support consistent, high-quality project delivery. Her work has helped underpin the university's 100% KTP application success rate, while also supporting the wider knowledge exchange ecosystem through initiatives including student placements, consultancy and curriculum development. She also led the University of Reading's Accelerated Knowledge Transfer programme, achieving strong application success and sharing her expertise with other institutions. Before joining the KTP team, Annie built a career in learning and development, programme management and recruitment across organisations including Unilever, national property firms and the Poppy Appeal. Bringing these transferable skills into the KTP environment, she quickly established herself as a trusted source of expertise and support. Her commitment to professional development and willingness to embrace new challenges have helped her play a key role in initiatives such as the transition to the Innovation Funding Service. What makes Annie's journey stand out is her ability to combine operational excellence with a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Whether supporting academics, businesses or KTP Associates, she brings structure, empathy and collaboration to every partnership. Annie's story highlights the importance of the people working behind the scenes to make KTP a success. Through her dedication, expertise and commitment to continuous improvement, she has helped strengthen KTP delivery at the University of Reading and create lasting impact across the wider innovation community. Join us each week as we continue to share the stories of the 50 Faces of KTP, the people making partnership work. #32 #KTP50 #KnowledgeTransfer #Innovation #Collaboration #Leadership #50FacesofKTP

One week left to apply.    If your Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships project has delivered strong outcomes, make sure your work is recognised. Submit your application by 19 August, 5pm.    Apply here: https://lnkd.in/d287FK2J    #KnowledgeTransfer #Innovation #Collaboration #KTPAwards2026

As part of our 50 Faces of KTP campaign, we are celebrating the people who have helped embed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at the heart of institutions across the UK. Dr Stuart McKay's KTP journey spans almost two decades and has seen him become one of the programme's most experienced practitioners. After a career in research, intellectual property commercialisation and entrepreneurship, Stuart joined the West of Scotland KTP Centre in 2007. What began as a short career break following his time as founder and CEO of a venture-backed business quickly became a long-term commitment to KTP. Over the years, Stuart has supported more than 300 KTP projects and helped secure over £60 million in funding for partners across the UK and overseas. His work has enabled businesses, academics and Associates to collaborate on projects that drive innovation, build capability and create lasting impact. In 2017, Stuart joined the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) as Senior KTP Manager. Under his leadership, UWS transformed its KTP portfolio from three active projects to one of the largest in the UK, rising to become Scotland's leading KTP institution. He also helped establish and grow the university's dedicated KTP Centre, which remains unique in Scotland. Over the past eight years, UWS has secured more than £18 million in KTP funding across 80 partnerships, delivering award-winning projects that have generated significant business and societal impact. The university's KTP activity is now widely recognised as an example of good practice across the sector. What makes Stuart's journey stand out is his combination of entrepreneurial experience, commercial insight and passion for knowledge exchange. Having worked on both sides of innovation, he understands the challenges organisations face and the transformative role KTP can play in helping them grow. Stuart's story demonstrates the impact that dedicated KTP professionals can have behind the scenes. Through his leadership and commitment to collaboration, he has helped strengthen partnerships, support innovation and create opportunities for businesses, academics and Associates across the UK. Join us each week as we continue to share the stories of the 50 Faces of KTP, the people making partnership work. #31 #KTP50 #KnowledgeTransfer #Innovation #Collaboration #Leadership #50FacesofKTP