Overview of Innovate UK’s Golden KTP Awards
Every year Innovate UK celebrates fifty years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) by hosting the Golden KTP Awards. The ceremony crowns the most innovative collaborations that connect university research with industry ambition, rewarding projects that demonstrate measurable commercial impact, excellence in knowledge exchange and the best practice in partnership management.
What Makes a KTP Project Stand Out?
A successful KTP is built on a clear objective, a dedicated university graduate—known as the KTP Associate—embedded within a partnering firm, and a structured governance framework that aligns research goals with business needs. Award‑winning projects typically illustrate:
- Rapid prototyping that shortens time‑to‑market.
- Data‑driven optimisation that raises productivity.
- Cross‑disciplinary solutions that open new revenue streams.
- Positive outcomes for communities and ecosystems.
Queen’s University Belfast Makes a Statement at the Golden Awards
At the Manchester event, Queen’s University Belfast secured two of the three coveted national titles. The awards were:
- Art of Successful Collaboration – an institutional honour recognising Queen’s pioneering role in shaping the KTP model across UK universities.
- Knowledge with Impact – awarded for longstanding work with the multinational Navico Group, a marine‑engineering heavyweight, resulting in tangible advances in vessel technology.
In addition, a Queen’s KTP Associate, Shay McEvoy, took home the Future Leader award for outstanding contribution to AB Pneumatics and Plastics 2000. The collective achievement underlines the university’s leadership in fostering knowledge transfer that translates directly into economic growth.
Lessons from Queen’s KTP Successes
1. Measure Impact from Day One – The winning projects were backed by concrete metrics, tracking both academic outputs and commercial revenue. Teams set quarterly targets and maintained transparent reporting to stakeholders.
2. Embed Experts Early – Integrating the KTP Associate within the client’s teams from the initial planning stage created an environment of shared ownership and continuous knowledge exchange.
3. Leverage Institutional Strengths – Queen’s capitalised on its advanced manufacturing and life‑science research strengths, aligning them with industry gaps in automation, sensor technology and data analytics.
Impact Beyond The University Gateways
Queen’s has a track record that extends past the ceremony. Over the past 40 years, the university has launched more than 400 KTP projects, supported over 500 Associates and engaged 300+ academics. These collaborations have generated:
- £50 million in institutional income.
- ~£300 million in contribution to the UK economy.
- Recognition across multiple industry sectors, from advanced manufacturing to creative industries.
Case studies underscore how university‑led solutions have benefitted regional businesses and the wider community. For instance:
- Partnership with the iconic London red bus company delivered data‑driven route optimisations that cut fuel consumption.
- Collaboration with Lowden Guitars improved material sourcing and acoustic design, helping the brand retain its reputation for quality.
Why Businesses Should Consider a KTP
For companies seeking to innovate quickly:
- Access to cutting‑edge research streams without the overhead of hiring full‑time researchers.
- Direct collaboration with graduates whose fresh perspectives challenge conventional processes.
- Structured progress reviews that reduce risk and keep projects on budget.
Companies that have worked with Queen’s have noted improved product lifecycles, cost reduction, and new market opportunities that arise from academic insights.
How Queen’s Supports the KTP Lifecycle
The institution offers comprehensive support across the KTP journey:
- Recruitment and Placement – Matching industry needs with graduate expertise.
- Project Management – Dedicated business support teams oversee timelines, financials and compliance.
- Commercialisation Guidance – Helping to navigate intellectual property, spin‑out creation and funding avenues.
- Networking and Events – Regular forums for stakeholders to exchange best practices and explore new opportunities.
These services are designed to ensure that every partnership delivers measurable value, which has been critical to Queen’s recurring success at the Golden Awards.
What Makes Queen’s Stand Out?
Unlike many institutions that simply run a set of projects, Queen’s University Belfast has built an ecosystem where academia and industry continuously feed into each other:
- A dedicated Associate support team that keeps projects on track.
- Transparent reporting tools that provide real‑time KPI dashboards.
- An emphasis on long‑term relationships, encouraging repeat partnerships and multi‑phase projects.
Next Steps for Potential Partners and Students
Whether you’re an industry leader looking to co‑create solutions or a graduate aspiring to make a tangible impact, Queen’s offers clear pathways to get involved. The KTP framework is designed to be flexible, scalable and outcome‑oriented.
Business Consultation
Companies seeking to understand whether a KTP is right for them can schedule a free consultation with Queen’s Business Support Programmes. The discussion covers project fit, budget range, expected outcomes and the step‑by‑step process from proposal to commercial launch.
Graduate Application Opportunities
Graduates—particularly those with degrees in engineering, data science, marine technology or business studies—can explore KTP placement programmes. These roles provide hands‑on experience, mentorship from senior academics and a pathway to industry‑recognised skill development.
Explore Our KTP Success Stories
Reviewing case studies will give you deeper insights into how Queen’s has unlocked value for clients across sectors. These stories illustrate the real‑world benefits and the tangible growth metrics achieved through the partnership model.
Take the Next Step Today
Curious about how a Knowledge Transfer Partnership can accelerate your innovation pipeline? Schedule a free consultation with Queen’s Business Support Programmes, or apply now for a KTP placement to gain industry experience and contribute to cutting‑edge research.
For more information about Queen’s KTP initiatives, reach out to the Institute’s outreach team or explore the official KTP page. The university is ready to partner with you and turn academic potential into commercial success.
