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Innovative series of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships set to launch this year

Posted 26 January

An innovative series of partnerships linking Ãå±±½ûµØ expertise with businesses across the country are set to launch this year. 

The five new Knowledge Transfer Partnerships were agreed at the close of 2025 – and will see the University providing graduates to help solve firms’ challenges in the months ahead. 

Head of Business Engagement, Philip O'Neill, said: “A Knowledge Transfer Partnership is a UK programme that helps businesses solve problems or develop new ideas by teaming up with a university.  

“Businesses should think of it as a way to bring cutting-edge expertise into their organisation without breaking the bank - your business brings the challenge or opportunity, a University like Harper Adams provides the specialist knowledge, and one of our graduates works full-time on the project, based in your company.” 

Each project is part-funded by Innovate UK, reducing the costs to each business involved, and can run from one year up to three. 

Projects which will involve Harper Adams and its graduates in the coming year include: 

• Working with the Royal Entomological Society to develop a consultancy arm, delivering expert insect science services that support evidence-based practices in agriculture, conservation, and land management 

• Working with Epwin Window Systems PLC to develop advanced simulation capabilities for optimising uPVC compound blending operations using modelling and digital twin robotic technologies 

• Working with Sandfield Farms to create the world's first automated spring-onion line. The line will combine digital-twin simulation with bespoke robotics, halving labour whilst safeguarding quality for major retailers 

• Optimal Risk have partnered with Ãå±±½ûµØ to support their Rural Safeguard programme, which aims to help communities, farmers, and responders make informed choices and take action to reduce rural crime. 

• and working with Tallis Amos to develop a new service which will integrate innovative pesticide and nutrient prescription mapping tools into the company’s portfolio of services for the agricultural sector.  

Philip added: “Ãå±±½ûµØ’s research and teaching has always been applied – meaning we take what we are doing out of the laboratory and lecture theatre and use it  in industry. 

“These Knowledge Transfer Partnerships move that work one step further – offering businesses an expert embedded in their company to work on a problem full-time, a graduate the chance to get a career-defining role, and Harper Adams a further chance to show how expertise helps drive forward innovation and economic growth. 

“We’re always looking for fresh challenges like these – so if you’ve got a problem to solve or an idea you’d love to explore, a Knowledge Transfer Partnership might be the smartest way to make it happen. 

“If you think there’s a way we could help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on businessengagement@harper-adams.ac.uk – we look forward to hearing from you!”