Celebrating 50 years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Published on 20, March, 2025

Academics, students and business leaders have attended a celebratory event at the University of Sunderland marking five decades of Innovate UK’s flagship Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme.

The event was held at Hope Street Xchange on the University’s City Campus to highlight the excellent achievements of the KTP programme, which has contributed millions to the UK economy.

A KTP is a three-way partnership between a business seeking to bring new ideas to life, a university, and a recently qualified graduate or postgraduate – known as the KTP Associate – who drives these innovative projects forward. The programme brings businesses and academics together to solve real world challenges.

Each project can last up to three years, transferring and embedding new knowledge and skills to encourage business growth and innovation.

Newcastle-based TDR Training Ltd is a non-profit organisation offering advice, support and training for Engineering, Manufacturing, Science and Business Administration.

The organisation has been working with the University on a two-year project to enhance their service through immersive technologies, also known as extended reality (XR).

Li Xue, Chief Executive Officer at TDR Training Ltd, said: “We signed up for the KTP because we believe in using technology to enhance the way we learn. This project focuses on developing the methodologies, knowledge, and tools necessary for XR-enhanced blended learning – making education more engaging, accessible, and interactive.

“The support from the academic team at the University of Sunderland has been brilliant; it’s a pleasure to collaborate with such a forward-thinking institution.

“The KTP programme is invaluable to local businesses, providing access to cutting-edge research and expertise that drive innovation and growth. I’d highly recommend it to any organisation looking to push boundaries and develop future-ready solutions.”

Wearside’s oldest manufacturer, Speedings Ltd, produces lifesaving personal safety products for emergency services across the UK. They also have a KTP with the University.

Company Director Rob Hammal said: “Our working relationship with the University of Sunderland continues to grow from strength to strength.

“The two-year KTP started in January 2023, in which we had our best first quarter since records began in 1827. This has continued in 2025, where we have just achieved our highest ever single month turnover of over £200,000.

“Our close working relationship is generating continuous improvements, such as the automation of our printing processes, the installation of a bespoke mezzanine floor to increase operations, enhanced ordering and stock control system, and establishing a training department, all achieved through funding grants and student placements.

“My message to other businesses would be, embrace the University of Sunderland’s expertise via the KTPs, if you wish to grow your company.”

Tim Pain, Director of Innovation and Skills at the University, was among the speakers at the event.

He said: “The University of Sunderland is embedded in the city and the region and so supporting local business is really important to us. 

“KTP is really valuable in helping combine industry and academic expertise to address real business challenges and opportunities so please come and talk to us about how we could help.”

Other speakers included University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Sir David Bell, Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Commercial) Professor Milan Radosavljevic and Interim Deputy Director, Innovation Funding, at Innovate UK, Dr Ian Brotherston.

Since its launch in 1975, Innovate UK has supported 14,000 transformative projects through the KTP programme in partnership with more than 100 universities.

Approximately 11,000 of these projects have been with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

For more information on the University of Sunderland’s KTP programme, click here.

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