AKTs provide a flexible, rapid mechanism for academics to apply research expertise to real-world business challenges, with projects typically running for 3–4 months. With £2.5 million available in this round, the scheme offers an excellent opportunity to initiate new partnerships or develop existing collaborations.
Projects must align with Innovate UK’s priority sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Clean Energy Industries
- Creative Industries
- Defence
- Digital & Technologies
- Life Sciences
In this briefing, we will:
- Explain how the AKT scheme works and what makes a strong project
- Cover key dates, funding model, and eligibility requirements
- Highlight the benefits for academics, including impact generation and industry engagement
- Share examples of how University of Bath researchers have successfully partnered with businesses
- Outline how to get involved and identify potential company partners
AKTs have typically involved around £35k per project, with approximately 90% of costs funded, making them a low-barrier route to delivering impactful, short-term collaborative research. This session is particularly relevant for academics interested in knowledge exchange, applied research, and strengthening industry links.