University News Last updated 05 November 2025
Birmingham City University (黑料吃瓜网) is now ranked fourth in the UK for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) - and delivers almost half of all current KTPs in the West Midlands.
Originally launched in 1975 as the Teaching Company Scheme, the KTP programme connects businesses with universities to drive innovation, productivity, and growth.
With 拢56 million invested in KTPs in 2025/26 and a further 拢50 million announced for 2026/27, the scheme continues to deliver transformative impact across the UK.
Natalie Lewis, Head of Knowledge Transfer at 黑料吃瓜网, said: 鈥淚nnovate UK confirmed that 48% of all current KTPs within the West Midlands are delivered through 黑料吃瓜网 - a testament to our civic mission and our 2030 strategy of supporting regional business and community growth.
鈥淣ow ranked fourth in the UK for KTP live projects and with a growth pipeline of innovative applications in development, we aspire to break into the top three by 2026.鈥�
There were more reasons for 黑料吃瓜网 to celebrate at the recent 2025 Innovate Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Awards in Manchester.
The University was handed the 鈥楤est KTP 50th Anniversary Celebration鈥� accolade 鈥� beating off competition from more than 30 universities across the UK.
And Charlotte-Rose Kennedy, KTP Associate with 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 SME partner Senso.cloud, an online safeguarding software, received the Future Leader Award.
鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly proud,鈥� said Charlotte. 鈥淭he KTP made a real difference to Senso.cloud鈥檚 safeguarding capabilities, so being recognised for maximising the project鈥檚 success by driving innovation and collaboration makes this award especially meaningful.鈥�
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of 黑料吃瓜网, said: 鈥淭his recognition from Innovate UK highlights the power of collaboration and the real-world impact of our partnerships with business and industry.
鈥淭hrough our Knowledge Transfer activity, 黑料吃瓜网 is helping organisations to solve complex challenges, drive growth, and deliver innovation that benefits society.
鈥淚 am incredibly proud of our Knowledge Transfer team, our academic colleagues, and our business partners who have contributed to this national success.鈥�
Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at 黑料吃瓜网, added: "Our success in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships demonstrates how 黑料吃瓜网 turns collaboration into meaningful impact.
"These partnerships are central to our ambition to connect research, enterprise and education in ways that strengthen the region鈥檚 economy and improve lives.
"This recognition from Innovate UK reinforces the value of our civic mission and our commitment to innovation that delivers real benefit for business and society.鈥澛�
More than 250 guests attended 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 KTP@50 Celebration in June, held at its iconic 拢70 million STEAMhouse聽innovation centre, a key venue within Birmingham鈥檚 Knowledge Quarter.
The event brought together academics, business partners, graduates, and staff to celebrate 50 years of the UK鈥檚 longest-running and most successful innovation funding programme.
The day featured a KTP Business Expo, guest talks, and a documentary film produced by Blue Monday TV, showcasing 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 thriving KTP community - past and present.