MOJ Lawtech Grant Competition Phase III

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has launched the third phase of the LawtechUK programme, inviting applications for a grant of up to £3.62 million to fund initiatives that advance legal technology in England and Wales. The funding aims to accelerate innovation in legal services, improve access to justice, and maintain the UK’s position as a leading global legal centre. Eligible applicants include UK-based entities, which may apply individually or as part of consortia. The grant will run from November 2026 to March 2029, with applications closing at 17:00 on 26 August 2026.

The competition seeks to drive adoption of lawtech among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and legal service providers, with a focus on AI-driven solutions aligned with the UK AI Action Plan. Priority areas include increasing access to legal services, reducing unmet legal need, and supporting regional growth in high-potential city clusters identified in the Industrial Strategy. The MOJ also aims to strengthen the UK’s legal framework for emerging technologies through collaboration with the UK Jurisdiction Taskforce.

Applicants must demonstrate how their proposals will deliver measurable benefits, such as improved efficiency, accessibility, or competitiveness in legal services. The MOJ will assess applications based on their alignment with programme objectives, technical capability, and potential impact. Successful bidders will enter into a formal grant funding agreement with the MOJ, subject to due diligence checks. Full details, including eligibility criteria and application guidance, are available in the Invitation to Application and Grant Funding Agreement documents.

The application process is managed via the Ministry of Justice’s Sourcing Portal and the Find a Grant service. Applicants must register to access the online form, which is listed under ‘ITT_10777 - LawtechUK grant Phase 3’. Additional support, including guidance on using the platform and a recording of an applicant engagement event, is available on the MOJ’s website and YouTube. The MOJ encourages collaboration among legal tech providers, SMEs, and regional stakeholders to foster a competitive and inclusive lawtech ecosystem.