Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnerships 6 (AKT 6)
AKT 6 funds UK academic-industry partnerships for rapid, 3-month projects that transfer knowledge and expertise to address strategic business challenges in key innovation sectors.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: July 15, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to £35,000 per project (3 months); total competition budget £2.5 million; 90% grant rate, minimum 10% business partner cash contribution required.
Summary: Supports UK academic institutions, RTOs, or Catapults to partner with businesses for short, rapid innovation projects accelerating knowledge transfer.
Key Information: Projects must be 3 months; open to UK HE/FE institutions, RTOs, or Catapults collaborating with UK businesses (≥4 FTE).
Description
This funding opportunity enables UK registered higher or further education institutions, research and technology organisations (RTOs), or Catapults to partner with UK businesses for short-term, high-impact innovation projects. The Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AKT 6) scheme is designed to accelerate the transfer of knowledge and expertise from academia to industry, tackling real-world challenges and fostering impactful collaborations. Projects must address a strategic business challenge, align with one of Innovate UK's six priority sectors (or demonstrate high growth potential if outside these sectors), and deliver a rapid intervention over a 3-month period.
