Supporting Innovation Through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

At the University of Hull, we use our research expertise and creativity to help businesses tackle complex challenges.

Through our Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, we are collaborating with Sargent Electrical Services, a family-run business based in Beverley, East Yorkshire. Sargent designs and builds complete electrical systems for caravans, motorhomes, and buildings in sectors such as offices, hospitals, airports, and retail.

Sargent faced a new challenge: developing whole-farm automation technology to improve agricultural productivity ethically while contributing to the UK’s energy security.

To meet this challenge, we partnered Sargent staff with a Computer Science graduate appointed as a KTP Associate, and University of Hull researchers with relevant expertise.

Together, they developed smart sensors and monitoring stations to track key variables across farming operations, such as water table levels, rainfall, atmospheric pressure, temperature, crop light exposure, and soil quality.

Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, the system integrates sensor data with external inputs like weather forecasts, providing real-time insights and smarter farm management.

As a result, Sargent can now create innovative, competitive products for the farming sector that support performance improvement and energy security compliance. This opens new markets for the company, boosting both profitability and sustainability through advanced IT solutions.

What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership?

KTP is a UK-wide programme that connects businesses with academic experts to solve strategic problems or seize new market opportunities. Each KTP addresses a specific knowledge gap in the business, transferring academic expertise to drive innovation.

KTP projects cover all sectors and help companies:

• Develop new products and processes
• Embed new technology
• Improve operations
• Enter new markets
• Increase capability, productivity, and efficiency

For more information, contact us at: ktp-enquiries@hull.ac.uk