The Global Incubator Programme
What is the Global Incubator Programme?
The Global Incubator Programme (external link, opens in new window) is an acceleration programme established by UK’s national Innovation agency, Innovate UK (external link, opens in new window) . Through the programme, UK-based innovative SMEs work with world-leading incubators abroad to grow and scale through exploring the potential of global markets.
The LIZ was selected to partner with Innovate UK to host the Global Incubator Programme for UK-based legal tech startups and SMEs looking to explore the potential of the Canadian Market.
This 6-month program 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 LIZ.
Why the Legal Innovation Zone?
The LIZ is the world’s first and largest incubator dedicated to legal technology. We incubate start-up companies from idea through international sales, with several very successful alumni.
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, LIZ has supported over 170 legal tech start-ups, engaged over 700 entrepreneurs through LIZ workshops, reached 26 different countries and have a community of over 10,000 members. LIZ supports the innovation agendas of governments (provincial and international), law firms, lawyers, legal organisations, and Canadian administrative tribunals. LIZ also works to modernise the legal system.
LIZ provides legal tech innovators with access to resources they can leverage to help grow their businesses. These include connecting with industry experts and mentors, participating in group learning sessions, engaging with the LIZ community - and much more.
LIZ offers the opportunity to explore the potential in the North American market.
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 is the Global Incubator Programme all about? Watch to find out.
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 Requirments
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
We are looking to support innovative companies that are developing innovative technologies that are helping to transform the legal sector. The 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.
Applications for our 2025 cohort of the Global Incubator Programme are now closed.
Application Briefling: June 10, 2025 at 4pm BST
Applications close: July 11, 2025 at 5pm 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)
Hear From Past Participants
What is the Global Incubator Programme all about from a participant's point of view? Hear from the UK-based SMEs who participated in our 2024 cohort.