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Celebrating 50 Years of KTP

Innovating Through Collaboration with Secure Innovation and University of Plymouth

The Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) stands as a beacon of collaboration, bridging the gap between academic research and industry for half a century. This year marks an incredible milestone – 50 years of KTP fostering partnerships that spark creativity, enhance business growth, and transform ideas into reality. We had the opportunity recently to sit down with academics from the University of Plymouth, Richard Lamb the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Programme Manager, and Stephen Woodhouse the KTP Regional Knowledge Transfer Advisor (KTA) from Innovate UK, to reflect on the inspiring journey of KTP with Secure Innovation and the University of Plymouth. Highlighting the groundbreaking projects that have emerged from this partnership and discuss the potential of future collaboration.

Introduction to KTP and its 50th Anniversary

The KTP program has been connecting businesses and universities for 50 years in the UK to facilitate research and innovation. It’s a three-way partnership that benefits both businesses and recently qualified graduates (known as the ‘associate’), leading to successful projects, cutting-edge technology developments, and increased competitiveness. KTP’s success can be attributed to its unique approach and commitment to mutual benefits for all parties involved. The programme continues to drive economic growth and promote collaboration between academia and industry.

50 years of KTP

Secure Innovation’s History with KTP and University Partnerships

As we shared experiences over coffee, the enthusiasm and positivity in the atmosphere were unmistakable. All parties: Secure Innovation, the University of Plymouth and the associate themselves have all benefited from the numerous innovative projects throughout the years. Here at Secure Innovation, we have often employed the associate after their project has been completed, and some of them still work here today so it was great to hear their experiences from this unique programme.

One of the most significant projects to-date began in 2007, laying the foundations for Remote Planet, our rapidly evolving tracking system featuring remote management capabilities that will harnesses the power of satellite technology.

It’s hard to cast your mind back to a time before smart phones and Google maps were commonplace, but in 2007 the world was on the cusp of that technology. Our KTP associate, and the team were working hard to develop a way to track our secure cash boxes. Manipulating the evolving technology, they worked out a way to triangulate the position of an ibox, opening a unique opportunity for our customers to increase the security of the cash-in-transit and their team.

One of the largest CIT companies integrated the tracked ibox into two-thirds of its estate. This allowed them to trace stolen cash, locate criminals, and confirm evidence using forensic markers like Crimetag – leading to over 200 arrests. Of course, recovering the cash was an important outcome to our customers, but even more important were the convictions. Most criminals involved in large cash thefts are also involved in other organised crime, so by sending a substantial number to prison there was a marked reduction in other types of crime.

The project was a success not only because of the fresh perspective of an innovative graduate, but the support and wealth of knowledge from the academic mentors, and the commercial experience from a business launching viable products.

The KTP itself is a catalyst to launch innovative projects like this, and the associate is the conduit between the University and the business. The Regional Knowledge Transfer Advisor (KTA) provides mentoring for the University, the associate and the business throughout the project.

Every technological advancement we’ve made through KTP’s has added value to our products and knowledge base.

Nick Tripp | Director of R&D | Secure Innovation

Why would you apply for a KTP?

To benefit from a KTP, it’s important you can demonstrate your proposed project is of strategic importance to the business. We have applied for KTP’s when we can see a genuine market opportunity, that’s backed up with a clear route to market. As a customer-led business the KTP enables us to work with the brightest minds to address a challenge faced by our customers which cannot currently be solved by any product in the marketplace.

If your proposed project would enable your business to meet a real need and would be a stimulating challenge to the relevant academic team, then maybe a KTP is something for your business to consider. It requires an investment of both time and money, but the outcome will be invaluable to all parties that would not be achievable without this unique partnership.

Having started my own KTP journey with Secure Innovation in 1995, the University of Plymouth has collaborated with Secure Innovation on several other KTP projects. A KTP is a fantastic opportunity for businesses, academics and graduates to come together in a collaborative industrial partnership, delivering benefits for all involved.

Dave Marshall | Innovation Funding Manager | University of Plymouth

To find out more please contact:
Dave Marshall d.marshall@plymouth.ac.uk
Yana Papanikolaou ioanna.papanikolaou@plymouth.ac.uk
Or visit: www.plymouth.ac.uk/ktp

Future Plans for Continued Collaboration and Innovation

As it says in our brand video Secure Innovation never settles, we’re always creating, and challenging convention, so of course it’s no surprise that we’re hoping to embark on another KTP journey. While we had the opportunity we discussed a future collaboration with the team from the University of Plymouth. We have a specific problem to solve and believe a bright and enthusiastic graduate supported by their expertise could help us to launch something quite remarkable. Obviously, we can’t share the details of the project yet but hope to be successful in our next KTP submission.

50 Years of KTP

After 50 years, KTP has successfully fostered collaboration between academia and industry through partnerships like Secure Innovation and the University of Plymouth. These collaborations have led to technological advancements and economic growth, making KTP a beacon for successful partnerships. Here’s to another 50 years of driving innovation forward together!