04th Feb 2022
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Sterling Pharma Solutions and Northumbria University has been awarded the highest grade of ‘outstanding’ by Innovate UK.
The KTP, which began in September 2019, was established to develop a new enzyme discovery workflow process exemplified by a novel biocatalytic methodology, which would allow manufacture expansion for the fine chemical and pharmaceutical markets.
Greg Holgate was employed as KTP Associate to carry out the work, he said: “This was an amazing opportunity for me, so I am obviously delighted that the partnership was so successful. The ultimate aim was for us develop biocatalytic processes which could be scaled for commercial production, which is exactly what we have done.
“I am lucky to have been offered a full time job at Sterling, and I am now using the new processes we have developed over the last two years with the university on a number of high profile projects where we are able to further develop our biocatalysis services. “
The two-year KTP was judged to provide high quality and high value outputs for all partners, and has led to additional KTP opportunities between Sterling and Northumbria University. Dr Graeme Turnbull led the University team, which continues to grow their strong record of successful research collaborations in industrial biocatalysis and biodesign.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology, and skills within the UK knowledge base. This KTP project was co-funded by UKRI through Innovate UK and the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council.
