South West IT group BIT Group poised to be transformed with Aston University KTP

Plymouth-based IT company BIT Group is poised to become a world-leading cyber security education, training and technology solutions provider having teamed up with Aston University in a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP).

A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher known as a KTP associate, and involves developing new income streams.

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This means adapting and streamlining how BIT Group, which already offers IT, cyber and information security services, operates and enables the University to transfer management knowledge and practices into BIT Group that can be sustained after the project ends.

Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects having been graded very good or outstanding by Innovate UK.

"As CEO of BIT Group, I am immensely proud of our partnership with Aston University through the knowledge transfer partnership," said Michael Dieroff, CEO of BIT Group.

"This collaboration not only enriches our company with cutting-edge business insights but also marks a significant milestone in our journey towards industry leadership.

"By integrating Aston University's advanced research capabilities and our innovative spirit, we are setting new standards in cyber security solutions and redefining our market approach."

Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, deputy director of the Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre at Aston University, added: "This management KTP allows us to leverage Aston University’s critical mass of expertise in cyber security management from our industry-aligned research and consultancy to enhance BIT Group’s services, business delivery model and go-to-market strategies."

Kumara Swamy, KTP associate and Aston MBA alumnus, also noted: "Having worked across a range of large businesses, and recently completed an Aston University MBA, this management KTP gives me the freedom to apply my skills, industry knowledge and creativity to develop and deliver solutions that will drive transformation in a small business."

For Aston University, the partnership enhances its academic knowledge of cyber security management, while its cyber security MBA students have access to the BIT Group management KTP as a working case study.