The k2b program was initially initiated to address the marketing skills shortage and know-how in Tasmanian ICT companies. In 2007 / 2008 the program was extended to include Tasmanian Science and Technology companies.

K2b allows Tasmanian ICT companies to see first hand the benefits that a marketing professional can deliver to their business with reduced financial and employment risks.

K2b allows selected companies to employ for 12 months a graduate at a reduced salary due to the funding assistance the program provides. A benefit to k2b is that it does not lock the company into the graduate's ongoing employment, although most companies choose to offer the graduate a position at the conclusion of the program period.

To participate in the program a company must agree to contribute a minimum of $20,000 plus superanuation towards the graduate's salary, provide a normal working environment with desk, computers etc, pay for any business travel and cover any other employment overhead.

Companies are also asked to commit the CEO's or a senior managers time to attending mandatory workshops and training sessions throughout the year.

The companies to date who have participated in the program have been:

• 2004 - Crank Media, ICS Multimedia, Verdant, Dytech Solutions, In-tellinc, The Tasmanian Technopark.
• 2005 - Geometry, Autech Software, Human Solutions, Internet Tasmania, KW McCulloch, etech group, Onpix.
• 2006 - InsightGIS, Healthcare Software, Prologic.
• 2007 MAPP funded - Neoteck, KWMC, In-tellinc, Smartvisit Solutions, Intelitec, XVT
  Tasmanian Department of Economic Development funded - Shellfish Culture, Powercom, Fiomarine.
• 2008 MAPP funded - Point Duty, Future Medium, PK Business Advantage, ICS, Getbusi, Blue Rocket Productions
  Tasmanian Department of Economic Development funded - Proximate, Irrisys, Ecka Granules, Springboard.
• 2009 - ExplainIT, Prologic, Autech, JadeLiquid Software, Healthcare Software, Nunatak.
• 2010 - ISW Development, Neotechnology Business Systems, SConsulting, TASICT for Acrodata, Tasmanet, and CubeSMS, Tickit Systems, The Learning Edge International.

An independent panel selected the successful companies and the company then interviews and selects their graduate from a list of eligible graduates provided.