Two UWS Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) have been named as finalists in this year’s Innovate UK KTP Awards, recognising innovation and impact across UK academia and industry.

Ray Holder, former KTP Associate on UWS’s project with cultural technology platform Smartify, is shortlisted in the Future Leader Award category while the partnership with employment support organisation Routes to Work has been recognised in two categories: Changing the World Award and Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

Both projects demonstrate the vital role KTPs play in driving strategic growth, innovation, and transformation across sectors.

Former UWS student Ray Holder led an ambitious project to embed high-performance computing, extended reality, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity capabilities into Smartify’s platform, helping the company enhance digital access to arts and culture and position itself for further growth in the cultural tourism sector.

His innovative work has included bringing to life never-before-seen photographs from Tower Bridge's opening 130 years ago; an interactive model for visitors to the Cutty Sark, helping them explore parts of the ship while they were closed for refurbishment; and a 3D model viewer that allows people to interact with sculptures and objects without the need for specialist hardware or extra apps.

 

Being nominated is a huge honour, and it reflects the collaboration involved in this kind of project. UWS and Smartify gave me a fantastic opportunity to grow as a leader and they’ve allowed me to contribute to something genuinely meaningful for the arts sector.

Ray Holder, former KTP Associate, Smartify

 

Thanos Kokkiniotis, Founder and Director at Smartify, commented: “Ray’s energy, technical expertise and strategic mindset made a lasting impact on our platform and our team. His work is a shining example of what’s possible when industry and academia come together with a shared vision for innovation.

“We’re delighted to see his talent recognised on this national stage. It’s very well deserved.”

Meanwhile, UWS’s collaboration with Routes to Work, based in North Lanarkshire, has been shortlisted for two major accolades: Changing the World and Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

Already noteworthy for being the UK’s first third sector management KTP, the project focused on equipping Routes to Work’s leadership with advanced capabilities in strategic planning, econometric modelling, service innovation and organisational change. The result is a stronger, smarter organisation delivering improved employment services for communities facing significant disadvantage.

 

This partnership with UWS has empowered us to think differently, act strategically, and drive meaningful innovation in a sector that urgently needs it. Their academic insight and support has helped us make real progress for the people we serve. Being nominated in two categories is a proud moment for our entire team and a fantastic recognition of what we’ve achieved together.

Kate Clark, Chief Executive at Routes to Work

 

Dr Christine Reilly, Senior Lecturer in Business at UWS and Lead Academic on the project, said: “This was a model KTP grounded in real challenges and focused on lasting, evidence-based change. It’s wonderful to see it acknowledged for both its impact and its ambition.”

The finalists will attend the KTP Awards Ceremony in Manchester on 28 October, part of the KTP 50 Conference celebrating 50 years of the UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme.

 

Commenting on the announcement of the nominations, Senior KTP Manager Stuart McKay said:

 

To have two projects recognised across three categories reflects the breadth and depth of innovation happening through UWS’s KTP portfolio.These nominations are proof of the incredible partnerships we’ve built and the exceptional talent of our Associates and academics.

 

These projects align with UWS’s Strategy 2030 key goals: maximising student success; creating and applying new knowledge; and growing our global impact.