Access our expertise

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Partner with the University of Sheffield on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and unlock your business's full potential.

The KTP Offer

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are collaborative projects involving a university, a business, and a talented graduate or postgraduate. KTPs empower businesses to leverage academic expertise to address critical challenges, while enabling researchers to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Brilliant minds: Access top graduates and experienced academics

Targeted innovation: Tackle specific challenges and seize opportunities

Accelerated growth: Boost performance, profitability, and market position.

How it works 

KTP is a collaborative innovation programme funded by the UK government. It pairs businesses with academic experts to address strategic challenges. Through this partnership, businesses can access cutting-edge research, develop new products or services, and improve their operations. KTP projects typically last between 12 and 36 months and are expected to deliver tangible results, such as increased revenue, reduced costs, or enhanced market position.

Define your goal: Identify a strategic innovation project

Recruit your team: Hire a KTP Associate, co-funded by Innovate UK

Drive results: Work closely with your Associate and academic supervisor.

Invest in your future:

SMEs: Contribute around £35,000 per year Large businesses: Contribute around £55,000 per year.

Ready to innovate? Contact collaborate@sheffield.ac.uk.

Training and professional development

At the University of Sheffield, we're committed to keeping professionals ahead of the curve. Our accredited courses offer the latest knowledge and skills, ensuring you stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry. 

The Sheffield MBA

Real-World Leadership. Real-World Results. Gain hands-on experience, solve real-world business challenges, and accelerate your career with our rigorous one-year program.  Experiential learning is at the heart of the Sheffield MBA. Throughout the programme, you will be challenged to apply your learning to live organisational issues.  We have designed our MBA programme to equip you to adapt to rapidly changing environments, understand complex situations, have the ability to problem solve and find innovation solutions and lead your organisations forward. Throughout the programme, you will be working either in teams or as an individual on live projects with local and/or international businesses to provide solutions to real business challenges.

Further information and application process

Short courses for industry 

Accelerate Your Career or your employees with Our Expert-Led Short Courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).  Elevate your skills and knowledge with our highly focused short courses and CPD programs. Taught by industry-leading experts, our courses are designed to equip you with the tools to succeed

Short courses for the private sector and the NHS in health services and public health research

Short courses for the pharmaceutical industry

CPD for dental professionals

Continuing education for health and social care professionals

Contract Research, Consultancy, and Licensing

We have a proven track record of collaborating with businesses and public sector organisations to enhance their people, products, and services. By partnering with the University of Sheffield, you can leverage our expertise to complement your in-house capabilities or access specialised knowledge.

Tailored Research Solutions

We work closely with you to develop customized research solutions that address your specific R&D challenges. Whether it's collaborative research involving your team or outsourcing a specific project, we're here to assist.

Expert Consultancy Services

Our consultancy services provide access to specialized expertise and experience to help you overcome challenges. From short-term engagements to long-term projects, we work with businesses of all sizes to maintain a competitive edge.

A Wealth of Expertise

With over 1,100 academic experts across 70+ disciplines, research centers, and related areas, the University of Sheffield is your ideal partner. We've collaborated with over 2,000 organizations, from global corporations to regional businesses, to harness our expertise, technology, and insights.

Confidentiality Assured

We understand the importance of confidentiality and are committed to protecting your sensitive information. We can establish formal confidentiality agreements to safeguard your interests.

Contracts and Intellectual Property

We strive to ensure a smooth and efficient process for all legal and contractual matters. The University of Sheffield has a strong track record of securing value from Intellectual Property (IP) through collaborations, spinouts, and licensing arrangements. Our online portal allows you to access 'click-to-buy' IP, and our dedicated commercialization team is available to discuss licensing options for all forms of IP.