top of page


Find R&D partners faster
If you're looking for collaborators for an innovation project, research challenge or R&D opportunity, posting a Collaboration Opportunity on konfer can help you connect with organisations interested in working with you. A Collaboration Opportunity allows you to describe your challenge, project or collaboration need and share it with organisations across the konfer network. What is a Collaboration Opportunity? A Collaboration Opportunity is a short post explaining what you're
Sep 10


Starting small: how to test university collaboration without big risk
Working with a university doesn't have to mean a multi-year research programme, a six-figure budget, or a legal team on standby. Some of the most successful business-university relationships start with something much smaller: a short, low-commitment pilot that answers one question: is this worth doing properly? If the idea of university collaboration has always sounded like a big step, here's how to shrink it down to something you can test in weeks, not years. What's stopping
Aug 25


Beyond the usual suspects
Meet the organisations using konfer to find new partners When organisations need fresh ideas or specialist expertise, the right people are not always the ones already in their network. Universities may have the knowledge and facilities businesses need, but not always the visibility of live industry challenges. Businesses may know what problem they need to solve, but not where to find the right research partner. And overseas organisations looking to work with the UK innovation
Aug 25


From process model to practical validation
Carbonyze was exploring how to move from process modelling towards practical validation. After developing a validated process model for its carbon utilisation technology, the company was beginning to explore industrial pilot opportunities. A collaboration call on konfer opened up a different conversation: what evidence, partners and validation would be needed before a pilot could succeed? Carbonyze is a climate tech startup emerging from the University of Aberdeen, developing
Aug 24


Partnerships that drive innovation: reflections from KEUK 2026
Andrew Mackenzie, Director of Strategic Networks, NCUB This was my first Knowledge Exchange UK Conference, a few months into a new job at NCUB, and the theme was 'Knowledge Exchange for the Future'. I had the privilege of helping to open the conference with remarks at the drinks reception, where I said that the word "future" was doing a lot of work. It sets a direction, but it also asks something of everyone in the room: what do we need to do differently? Our own session, a
Jul 31


UKRI strategy: path to growth
NCUB welcomed the new UKRI strategy which sets out how it will leverage the UK’s research and innovation strengths to support economic growth across the country. The new strategy outlines to businesses, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors on where the UK can take a more strategic approach in its funding of research and innovation activities, alongside improving the translation of our research strengths into economic growth that benefits society.
Jul 29
bottom of page