- Aston University and the Manufacturing Technology Centre’s partnership will accelerate innovation and have a transformative impact on manufacturing
- It will support businesses in key areas and nurture talent
- Central to the collaboration is the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme which is celebrating its 50th year.
Aston University and MTC Form Strategic Alliance to Drive Innovation and Industrial Growth
Aston University and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) have teamed up to form a strategic alliance that aims to boost innovation and drive growth in the UK’s manufacturing industry.
This partnership brings together Aston University’s top-notch research and strong ties to industry with the MTC’s cutting-edge technological expertise. A major highlight of this collaboration is the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. KTPs are essential for turning academic research into real-world commercial success by integrating academic and technical know-how directly into businesses.
Backed by Innovate UK, KTPs link companies with academic institutions to spark innovation, improve productivity, and create a competitive edge. Through this partnership, Aston University and the MTC will work together on strategic projects aimed at helping businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—embrace new technologies, enhance their operations, and achieve lasting sustainability.
Aston University is a recognized leader in KTPs, recently ranking in the top 20% of UK universities for ‘working with business' according to the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF4). Currently, the University is involved in 43 active KTP projects, with an impressive 89% of evaluated projects rated as ‘Very Good' to ‘Outstanding' for 2023/2024.
The Aston–MTC partnership will concentrate on driving innovation in crucial areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainable manufacturing practices, and innovative business models. Additionally, it will support workforce development by placing skilled researchers in industrial settings, where they can take advantage of world-class facilities and expert guidance.
Ken Young, Chief Technology Officer at the MTC, commented:
“At the MTC, we believe radical collaboration is the key to meaningful progress. Our partnership with Aston University reflects our shared ambition to empower industry, inspire innovation, and shape the future of UK manufacturing.”
Professor Mike Caine, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Aston University, added:
“By combining Aston’s research excellence with the MTC’s pioneering technological capabilities, we are driving forward innovation and helping businesses innovate, grow, and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.”
Paul Warrington, Knowledge Transfer Advisor at Innovate UK Business Connect, remarked:
“KTP projects, now in their 50th year, are unique, wonderfully successful, and incredibly impactful for all involved. This collaboration between Aston University and the-MTC will leverage the acknowledged abilities of both to further engage with the programme and drive the uptake of KTP projects within the manufacturing space. Really looking forward to seeing the innovative outputs for industry as this partnership progresses.”
