Exciting Opportunities Await: Phase III of the MOJ Lawtech Grant Competition Now Open!

Supporting Innovation in Legal Services

The initiative aims to promote innovation within the legal services sector by accelerating the development and adoption of lawtech across England and Wales. It aligns with the government’s commitment to uphold the UK’s status as a preeminent global legal centre, fostering innovation, enhancing access to legal services, and bolstering the international competitiveness of English and Welsh law.

To further this mission, a grant of up to £3.62 million will be awarded to a qualified applicant for the next phase of the programme, which will run from November 2026 to March 2029.

Lawtech encompasses technologies that support, enhance, or revolutionise the delivery of legal services. This includes tools powered by artificial intelligence that assist individuals in comprehending their legal rights, software that automates standard legal processes, digital platforms for dispute resolution, and technologies designed to improve the efficiency and accessibility of legal services.

The legal technology landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly in light of advancements in artificial intelligence. Sustained innovation is crucial to maintaining the UK legal services sector’s international competitiveness, addressing the evolving needs of businesses and consumers, and enhancing access to justice.

This competition builds upon the achievements of previous phases of the LawtechUK programme, aiming to facilitate the ongoing expansion of the UK’s legal technology ecosystem.

Comprehensive details regarding the grant’s objectives, eligibility criteria, and application procedures are outlined below.

Grant Objectives and Aims

The primary objectives of this grant are to:

• Encourage the growth of the UK lawtech sector, particularly focusing on solutions that benefit consumers and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while also nurturing the development of AI-driven legal technologies in accordance with the UK AI Action Plan.
• Facilitate greater adoption of lawtech by SME legal service providers through the enhancement of skills and digital capabilities within the sector.
• Accelerate regional growth in lawtech, with particular attention to areas identified as priorities in the Industrial Strategy, especially city regions and high-growth clusters with the most potential.
• Support the development and uptake of technologies that improve access to legal services and aim to reduce unmet legal needs.
• Establish the law of England and Wales and the UK’s jurisdictions as foundational for emerging technologies by backing the UK Jurisdiction Taskforce’s initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

This competition invites applications from registered entities based in the UK. Applicants may choose to apply as individual legal entities or collaborate in the formation of consortia, joint ventures, unincorporated associations, or partnerships. It is imperative that consortia designate a lead applicant, and individual organisations may not apply as part of more than one consortium.

The specific eligibility requirements include:

• Applicants must be registered corporate entities with a significant presence in the UK.
• Public sector organisations are not eligible for this funding.
• Individual persons cannot apply.
• All awards are contingent upon successful due diligence checks, which will include a review of financial statements to ascertain financial viability, an evaluation of proposed governance structures, checks for adverse media, and legal entity verification. The Ministry of Justice reserves the right to consider additional factors impacting a bidder’s suitability.

Further guidance for applicants proposing a joint approach is available in the invitation to application.

Indicative Timelines for the Grant Process

The following timelines are subject to change and serve as a general guide:

• 16 July 2026: Publication of the Invitation to Application
• 26 August 2026: Deadline for applications at 17:00
• October 2026: Notification of successful bidders
• November 2026: Commencement of activities by the successful bidder
• March 2029: Conclusion of funding period

Application Process and Requirements

To apply, applicants should:

• Review the Invitation to Application (PDF, 299 KB, 23 pages), which contains crucial information on the funding objectives, required capabilities, and the application process.
• Examine the Grant Funding Agreement (PDF, 540 KB, 44 pages), which outlines the legal contract that the successful bidder will enter into with the Ministry of Justice.
• Apply through the Find a Grant service, adhering to the outlined steps.

All applications must be submitted by 17:00 on 26 August 2026.

Online Application Access

Applicants can submit their applications online via the Ministry of Justice Sourcing Portal. Registration is required to access the application form. Once registered, candidates can locate the application form in the open opportunities section under ‘ITT_10777 – LawtechUK grant Phase 3.

The grant is also accessible through the Find a Grant service, where registration is necessary to complete the application form.

Guidance and Assistance for Bidders

For additional guidance, applicants are encouraged to refer to the Questions and Answers for potential bidders (PDF, 267 KB, 17 pages).

Contact Information for Inquiries

Should you have any questions, please reach out via email to MoJLawtechgrant3@justice.gov.uk for assistance.