Three VFS Partners invite Solent region’s maritime businesses to drive innovation with experts
Maritime UK Solent, the regional sector-based cluster and employer representative body, is working in partnership with the University of Southampton to host a unique event for organisations interested in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) on Friday 3 March at the University’s Highfield Campus.
Maritime businesses in the Solent are invited to find out more about how a KTP opportunity could help them overcome a commercial challenge or barrier.
Stuart Baker, Managing Director, Maritime UK Solent (MUK Solent) said: “The Solent’s maritime sector is a flourishing environment of exciting ideas, strong relationships and pioneering innovative technology, and this Knowledge Transfer Partnership will further connect businesses that have innovative ideas with supplementary expertise to help deliver them.
“I thoroughly encourage maritime businesses and direct supply chain organisations to find out more about this opportunity. We believe that this partnership has great potential to drive forward innovation and to strengthen the success of our maritime cluster here in the Solent.”
The KTP is a collaborative, three-way partnership creating positive impact and driving innovation between the business taking part, the University, and a graduate. Knowledge is transferred by the graduate under academic and industry supervision, and structured around an agreed package of work. KTPs are well proven, successful innovation programmes delivered by Innovate UK. They enable privileged and cost-effective access to the UKs world-class knowledge-base and resources to embed expertise, and to expand capability.
Diana Galpin, Director Enterprise & Knowledge Exchange at the University of Southampton said: “The University of Southampton is committed to supporting industry by utilising our knowledge and expertise to overcome business barriers. I am proud of the rich capability we have across the University in marine and maritime brought together under our institute SMMI to address some of today’s global challenges. Our expertise includes engineering, AI, autonomy, design, and oceanography and extends through archaeology, law and management. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are incredibly effective ways to achieve knowledge exchange, embed new capabilities into an organisation and bring about lasting commercial value. We are pleased to be working with Maritime UK Solent and look forward to hosting this event.”
Maritime businesses and direct supply chain organisations that face a problem or a challenge that needs moving along, are encouraged to attend and find out how a KTP could benefit them. All maritime businesses based in the Solent are welcome, particularly those working in the areas of autonomy, advanced technology, robotics, or innovation in clean maritime.
