University of Salford hosts free online webinars to help businesses to innovate

We often hear about industry wanting to develop new ideas or improve their processes by collaborating with the higher education sector to access innovation funding; however, many are unsure of how to start the conversation. On Thursday 16 October and Wednesday 29 October 2025, the University of Salford’s Business Innovation team will be hosting free webinars to showcase how organisations can collaborate with academia to translate research into practical solutions that help businesses to grow, adapt and future-proof.

The online sessions will explore how collaborative partnerships between businesses and universities – including Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) – can drive meaningful transformation, through streamlining operations, embedding new technologies or developing innovative products and services.

The University of Salford has a long history of working with businesses to solve their most pressing challenges, create jobs and support growth across our region and beyond. Salford was one of the first three universities to pilot Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) in 1975 – with this year marking its 50th anniversary.  Since then, the University has delivered over 150 KTPs, partnering with non-for-profits, SMEs and global enterprises to drive innovation across manufacturing, engineering, health and digital sectors.

A coalition that bridges the gap between academic expertise and business ambition, KTPs help to solve real-world business challenges by combining research insight with practical application.

Jennifer Hinsley, Head of Business Innovation Services at the University of Salford, said: “At Salford, we are committed to supporting economic growth across our region and beyond, and innovation is a really key driver of that. The webinars will not only help businesses identify potential funding for innovation but will also explore the range of areas and functions where KTP’s can help to drive growth, transformation and efficiency.

“If you’d like to drive innovation within your business but you’re not sure where to start, the webinars are a great introduction to working collaboratively with academia.”

What will you learn about?

• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) – Funding of up to 67% for private-sector companies and 75% for third sector organisations to deliver 1–3-year projects which bring about transformative change (embedding new systems, sustainability and technologies, new product development, product change, amongst others)
• Collaborative Research – Delivering applied research to plug knowledge gaps, provide new insights or support internal R&D teams.
• Other funding streams – University collaboration as an academic partner with industry to develop funding bids for specific R&D calls
• Wider benefits of collaboration with a University – As a key organisation in the UK innovation ecosystem, universities can work with industry in many different ways.

Virtual Session Registration Details:

Thurs, 16 October, 10.00am – 11.00am  – Register here for Session 1

Weds, 29 October, 10.00am – 11.00am  – Register here for Session 2

In the first session we will hear from:

• Dr. Imrana Mushtaq – Knowledge Transfer Advisor – InnovateUK – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-imrana-mushtaq-673a541/
• Prof. Paul Comfort – Professor in Strength and Conditioning, The University of Salford – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-comfort-833055233/
• Dr. Matthew Cuthbert – Women’s Pathway Lead Physical Performance Coach – the Football Association – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matthew-cuthbert-459410114/?originalSubdomain=uk

Who is it aimed at?

• Businesses with a UK-registered office – no limitation of geographical location across the UK
• All sectors and company sizes
• Decision-makers which are keen to learn more about collaborating with a university