Program Overview

The Global Incubator Programme

The Global Incubator Programme is an acceleration programme established by the UK's national Innovation agency, Innovate UK. Through the programme, UK-based innovative SMEs work with world-leading incubators abroad to grow and scale through exploring the potential of global markets.

What is the Global Incubator Programme?

The programme gives selected companies a unique opportunity to explore the market, build a Canadian Market plan, grow, and bring their global legal technologies to Canada — with expert resources and guidance provided by the Legal Innovation Zone (LIZ).

Why the Legal Innovation Zone?

The LIZ is the world's first and largest incubator dedicated to legal technology. It incubates start-up companies from idea through international sales, with several very successful alumni. The LIZ provides legal tech innovators with access to resources they can leverage to help grow their businesses, including connecting with industry experts and mentors, participating in group learning sessions, and engaging with the LIZ community.

Why Toronto?

Toronto is the legal, financial, and economic centre of Canada. The largest law firms, known as the 'Seven Sisters', are headquartered there, as are the major banks. It is at the centre of technology innovation generally.

What to Expect

• Getting Ready for The Market: Work with an Innovate UK Innovation Growth Specialist to develop a Strategic Action Plan.
• Workspace: Establish a presence with dedicated desk space at the LIZ during the market visits.
• Masterclasses, Workshops & Expert Panels: Online group learning insight sessions to assist in all aspects of business formation and scaleup.
• Connections and Access: Gain curated network access via the LIZ.
• 1:1 Mentorship: Receive country-specific mentoring from experienced experts in the legal tech sector.
• Innovation Community: Participate in a vibrant community of Legal Tech entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
• Pitching Opportunities: Access to investor, corporate, and strategic partner networks in Canada during the Programme and at a Final Showcase event.
• Market Visits: Two intensive market visits to Toronto are planned as part of this initiative in October 2025 and March 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible startups and SMEs must:

• Be established in the UK
• Be able to commit 15+ hours (average) per week to programme requirements
• Be an innovation-focused business in the legal tech sector
• Be able to participate in two intensive visits to Toronto in October 2025 and March 2026
  • Technology areas include:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Data Analytics
    • Automation
    • Contract Management / Analysis
    • Legal Research
    • Discovery
    • Case Management

Who Should Apply?

This Programme is aimed at innovative legal services and technology companies that have:

• A novel / innovative solution with some traction (such as efficacy data or reference customers).
• A strong leadership team ready to dedicate time in Toronto at the LIZ to build relationships with advisors, investors, legal tech leaders, and decision-makers.
• A willingness to adapt and openness to incorporating the feedback and guidance provided by experts in our network.
• An initial Canadian value proposition and a hypothesis about how to reduce cost, drive quality, and increase revenue in the Canadian legal services market.

Programme Timeline

• Application Briefing: June 10, 2025, at 4 pm BST
• Applications close: July 11, 2025, at 5 pm BST
• Shortlist Interviews: July 28 - 31, 2025
• Successful Applicants Notified: August 8, 2025
• Market Visit: Immersion Week: October 6-10, 2025 (5-11 with travel)
• Incubation Programme (Virtual): October 2025 to March 2026
• Market Visit: Showcase Week: March 2-6, 2026 (1-7 with travel)