Research is a prominent activity that propels growth in every institution and KTU on realising its importance, established the Applied Research Unit as part of the Department of Research and New Programmes in 2008. The establishment was in accordance with the 5-year strategic plan to coordinate research activities such as TALLIF and Applied Unit in the University (formerly Polytechnic).

It was de-coupled from the Department of New Programmes and given the status of a Directorate in 2011. This absorbed all functions of research administration and other related activities.

This Applied Research Unit has evolved to a Directorate with four units/departments. These are: