Award

University of Kent and Zero Gravity Partnership

THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

17 Apr 2026 at 11:11

Award

17 Apr 2026 at 10:55

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by The University Of Kent focuses on a partnership with Zero Gravity Tech Ltd, a company dedicated to enhancing social mobility through education and training services. The contract, identified under the title "University of Kent and Zero Gravity Partnership", falls within the industry category of Education and Training Services, and is set in Canterbury, UKJ44. The procurement reached the award stage on 17 April 2026, with an award notice published the same day for a gross value of £42,000. The contract period spans from 1 June 2026 to 31 July 2027, with the partnership aiming to offer mentoring, masterclasses, peer support, and exclusive opportunities for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The procurement method was direct, conducted below the threshold without competition.

This tender presents a valuable opportunity for businesses specialising in educational services and social mobility programmes. SMEs, particularly those with expertise in student development and technology-driven education platforms, would find themselves well-suited to compete in similar procurement processes. As Zero Gravity Tech Ltd emerges as the successful supplier, organisations with similar social mobility goals are encouraged to engage with sub-central government authorities, like The University Of Kent, to explore future partnerships. The contract represents a strategic initiative to support students and facilitate connections with employment opportunities, fostering potential growth across the social mobility sector.

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Notice Title

University of Kent and Zero Gravity Partnership

Notice Description

Zero Gravity is an organisation committed to social mobility in the UK through its work with schools and universities. Their aim is to support students from lower socio-economic backgrounds to access a wider network of development opportunities and graduate employment. Zero Gravity offer mentoring, masterclasses, peer support, and exclusive internship and employment opportunities through their app.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068522
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035137-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£42,000 Under £100K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
17 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 31 Jul 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CANTERBURY
Postcode
CT2 7NZ
Post Town
Canterbury
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ44 East Kent
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Canterbury
Electoral Ward
Blean Forest
Westminster Constituency
Canterbury

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ZERO GRAVITY TECH

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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