On the 26th of May, Coventry University proudly welcomed more than 100 delegates from various business to the 2016 KTP Associates Conference.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, or KTP, are a joint project between a university, a company and a highly skilled graduate, known as an associate. The programme is designed to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills.
The KTP Associates Conference is an annual event, hosted by a different university each year. Taking place in the University’s Engineering, Environment and Computing building, the conference provided associates with the chance to network, make industry connections, and see the types of projects being undertaken by other associates, as well as to present their own.
The event drew in over 100 delegates from different businesses, current and former KTP Associates as well as academics and University staff.
Current associates were afforded the opportunity to showcase their projects through presentations and a poster competition, allowing attendees to gain a direct insight into the benefits of KTP.
Prizes were awarded for the best poster and best presentation. Best poster was won by Stephen Clarke from Ulster University and best presentation by Elizabeth Smith from the Open University.
On the evening prior to the conference, delegates were able to enjoy an evening of food, drinks, music and even the entertainment of a magician. This social event also allowed delegates to get to know one another before the conference, providing a great opportunity for some informal networking.
Paul Fairburn, Director of Enterprise & Innovation at Coventry University, said: “The conference garnered much interest with 130 people in attendance, allowing the university to showcase its first class facilities and hospitality to delegates from all over the UK. The presentations were fantastic, and a true testament to the hard work and commitment of the associates to their projects. Attendees were able to hear first-hand about the benefits of a KTP and the positive impact they can have for all parties involved.”
Next year the conference will be held in Birmingham, hosted by Aston University, Birmingham City University and the University of Birmingham.
