KTP successes

Collaborating with individuals, businesses, and community groups to drive innovation and achieve goals

We actively work with a wide range of individuals, businesses and community groups to drive innovation and achieve professional goals.

Find out more about some of the businesses we've helped.

The key to our success is innovation. The University of Plymouth has provided workable solutions using the latest cutting-edge technology, specialist skills and expertise that we would not otherwise have access to.

Tony Westington, Director, Spinnaker International Ltd

KTP success spotlight

Find out how businesses benefitted from KTP expertise at the University of Plymouth.

Oakmount Control Systems Ltd

Through KTP Oakmount improved its ability to specify automation production equipment based on customer requirements more accurately and quickly at the tender stage, while integrating new technologies and Industry 4.0 solutions into the business.

Bluefruit Software

Bluefruit, was looking to expand its use of agile and lean software development for application in the medical device market. Through KTP it bridged the gap between agile and lean methodologies and compliance.

Red Paddle Co

Red Paddle Co sought to improve their products and maintain their premium market status. We introduced a talented graduate to the company for a ground-up approach to analysing, re-designing and optimising key components.

Fine Tubes Ltd

Fine Tubes accessed funding to use University of Plymouth's Electron Microscopy equipment for compositional analysis.

Langage Farm

Devon dairy business harnesses the university's expertise in understanding the science behind its range of ice creams, creams, cheeses and yoghurts.

Knowledge exchange, connectivity, network, city

Spinnaker International

Spinnaker sought assistance to help with the design and development of an enhanced wireless charging system that allowed for extended service interval times in markets that have an extended geographical reach.

Construction Management and the Environment - CME students looking up at construction site

Wates Construction

Plymouth graduate accelerates the uptake of innovative solutions in the construction industry to support the delivery of low carbon buildings.

Motion blurred train in London area of UK in a sunny summer day England

Bombardier Transportation

Plymouth-based Bombardier Transportation undertook a KTP project to develop and design the next generation train detection and signalling system.

Falmouth Harbour

Falmouth Harbour Commissioners' (FHC) KTP project with University of Plymouth addressed environmental and socio-economic issues in Falmouth harbour.

Recently approved KTP projects

University of Manchester, University of Plymouth and Dover Harbour Board

The project is supported by a £333,585 grant from Innovate UK and the aim of this 33- month, Port of Dover KTP collaboration with the University of Manchester and the University of Plymouth is to create and embed an AI augmented digital twin, which will provide simulation of tidal flows, analysis of safe navigation in the Port of Dover, inform future infrastructure investment and support the realisation of strategic growth objectives. The enhanced digital twin will provide a dynamic 24-hour, 365-day all-weather simulation of the complex tidal flows across the harbour and predict with maximum confidence the conditions essential for safe navigation in the Port of Dover. As a result, the Port will be able to remain operational during harsher weather conditions and welcome larger vessels and an even greater range of cruise and cargo ships, enabling greater operational efficiency and an increased volume of UK imports and exports.

The project is supported by Dr Adan Lopez-Santander from the University, working with the Port of Dover and the University of Manchester Academics to create and embed an AI-augmented digital twin of Dover harbour. The funding underpins a three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), that will harness the universities’ world-leading expertise in hydrodynamic modelling and cutting-edge research in AI and machine learning.

The Port of Dover is the busiest international ferry port in the UK, with two million cars and 11 million passengers passing through the Port every year. Dover also processes 2.4 million trucks per year, more than all other UK ports. In total, the Port of Dover deals with £144bn of trade in goods each year, and 33% of the UK’s trade with the EU, supporting businesses across the nation.  With a cargo business handling fresh produce, containers, project cargo, general cargo, grain and Ro-Ro traffic operating from a state-of-the-art terminal next to the world’s busiest shipping lane and on the quickest sea route to Europe, Dover is building for the future. In addition, Dover is the UK’s second busiest cruise port, welcoming more than 25 cruise lines and 200,000 guests each year. The Port also has a marina and property business primed to benefit from a new waterfront. 

The Port of Dover holds ambitious net zero targets, placing it at the vanguard of decarbonisation within the UK ports industry. More information on the targets can be found here. The Port’s focus on sustainability is driving it forward, enabling the team to keep the Port of Dover at the heart of international trade and tourism, and contributing value as a key gateway, employer, business and community partner. 

International Consulting and Trading Ltd (I-CAT Pty), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the University of Plymouth – African Agricultural KTP

The aims of this 24-month AAKTP with I-CAT Pty and CSIR are to establish platform-based technologies and cost effective biopesticides/biostimulant products using innovative and novel bioprocesses for adoption by growers and smallholder farmers of all sizes within the Agricultural and Horticultural sectors.

This project is supported by Professor Mark Fitzsimons and Dr George Littlejohn from the University of Plymouth and by Dr Santosh Ramchuran and Mrs Yrielle Roets-Diamini from CSIR.

Formed in 2009, I-CAT's core focus and strategy is to remain a recognized industry leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative green technologies for the agricultural and mining sectors. A key strand of this strategy, and company vision, is the growth and development of bio-based solutions, specifically those that are cost-effective, affordable, and available to a wide range of end users within the agricultural sector. This KTP supports this strategy and will strengthen I-CAT's current position with the creation of new product lines that are environmentally friendly, with unique selling points based on efficacy (plant-growth promotion, anti-fungal).

ADSL - AKT

The aim of this 4-month ADSL AKT collaboration with the University of Plymouth is to challenge an outdated and hazardous regulatory method for measuring insoluble heavy metal oxides in topical consumer products. This will be achieved by a novel, safer method that can be applied using standard analytical equipment.

This project is supported by Professor Richard Handy from the School of Biological and Marine Sciences.

Formed in 2008 and with full ISO 17025 accredited facilities, ADSL’s fully qualified team specialise in formulation and testing services within the cosmetic and household goods industry. Their exceptional expertise and complementary skills in manufacturing, process controls, industry regulation, health and safety, marketing, and project management enable them to support customer every step of the way to see their product through to successful market launch.

South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS)

The aim of this 24 month collaboration between the University of Plymouth and SWMAS Ltd (South West Manufacturing Advisory Service) is to move regional manufacturing companies closer to achieving national 2050 Net Zero targets by developing a Scope 3 assessment tool, and to prepare the company for more complete life cycle assessments (LCA). This project is supported by Professor John Summerscales from the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics and Dr Stephen Childe from Plymouth Business School.

SWMAS are a team of manufacturing and business development experts with a mission to help transform south west manufacturers into world class businesses. Their unique connections, knowledge, and expertise are used in partnership with ambitious manufacturers to help them improve their productivity, develop their capabilities, enter new markets, and become leaders in their fields. They provide support to some of the world’s leading manufacturers as well as to many smaller manufacturers, and have built long-standing relationships with many of these companies.

ADSL

The aim of this 27-month ADSL KTP collaboration with the University of Plymouth is to develop and embed a scientific method to certify the purity and quality of Cannabidiol (CBD) to ensure it is a safe ingredient to be used in the development of new innovative nanotechnology-based formulations.

This project is supported by Professor Richard Handy and Dr Richard Billington from the School of Biological and Marine Sciences and Dr David Jenkins from the School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics.

G&H | Artemis (formerly Artemis Optical Limited)

The aim of this Artemis 24-month KTP collaboration with the University of Plymouth is to establish a systematic approach to analyse and optimise key PVD manufacturing processes and equipment to; increase yield, enhance quality, increase performance and reduce waste. This will allow quicker response time, increased flexibility and access to new markets and applications. This project is supported by Dr Shakil Awan and Dr David Jenkins , both from the School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics.

Formed in 1952, Artemis are world-leaders in the design and manufacture of bespoke thin film coatings for use in the most challenging and progressive applications. These include; periscope and sighting systems, head-up and helmet mounted displays, laser protection and narrow band analytical filters. Customers are leading original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in the UK, Europe and USA, supplying some of the world's largest and influential organisations in sectors such as Defence, Aerospace, Healthcare and Precision Coatings.

Watch our videos about the Artemis project

Nick Hurst, Chief Executive Officer, Artemis Optical

Reeta Griffiths, KTP Associate, Artemis Optical

David Jenkins, Associate Professor, University of Plymouth

Work with us

Our Innovation Funding Managers help you scope out your KTP project idea, link businesses with academics, prepare and then submit the grant application. Once funded, the University and business jointly recruit the KTP Associate and then your project begins.

Start your collaboration by contacting one of our Innovation Funding Managers. Complete our enquiry form below.

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