SuperTech Invites Technology SMEs to Join Cross-Firm Legal AI Benchmarking in LawTech Innovation Challenge

SMEs gain rare access to real legal workflows, cross-firm benchmarking and direct collaboration with leading law firms adopting AI responsibly

SuperTech has opened applications for technology SMEs to take part in its second LawTech Innovation Challenge, calling on innovative companies to help shape the next generation of Legal AI. The programme builds on the success of its UK- first, sector-led challenge and provides SMEs with a rare opportunity to test and benchmark their AI tools against real legal workflows across multiple firms. Participating companies gain real world feedback, evidence of market fit and direct collaboration with legal teams seeking practical, safe and effective AI solutions.

As firms adopt GenAI at pace, the market continues to lack shared benchmarks, comparable evidence and consistent evaluation methods for assessing value, risk and operational impact. Many firms are running isolated pilots, duplicating effort and working in a crowded vendor landscape. The sector requires clearer, evidence-based insight to guide responsible, effective and transparent implementation.

Participating firms will be able to demonstrate a proactive and ethical approach to AI that is grounded in transparency and practical evidence. This year’s programme brings together Fieldfisher, Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR Law) and Mills & Reeve. Participants in the Framework Working Group for the programme include Aston University and the Solicitors Regulation Authority, in an observational capacity. Additional participants will be confirmed before programme launch.

SuperTech invites technology SMEs to apply, including companies already active in LawTech and those able to adapt existing solutions to legal workflows. Applications are welcomed for solutions aligned to the following use case areas – all with the need for appropriate human intervention, review and approvals:

· Document review at scale

· Legal research augmentation

· Decision-ready document summarisation

· Brief and memo drafting support

· Contract drafting aligned to client needs

· Communication efficiencies

· Pro bono and access to justice at scale

Applications close at 5pm UK on the 27 February with the programme running from the Launch Day on 20 March to the Showcase Day on 6 May 2026. During this period, SMEs will work directly with legal teams on structured use cases, evidence gathering and proposition development.

Further details, registration links and application guidance are available on the SuperTech website with information webinars will take place on 19 February and 26 February.

Hilary Smyth Allen, SuperTech CEO comments:

“Legal AI is advancing rapidly, yet the sector still lacks the shared evidence and real world testing needed for safe and confident adoption. This challenge gives technology SMEs and legal firms a trusted space to work on practical problems together and generate insights the whole market can use. The West Midlands has one of the UK’s most ambitious professional services communities, and we are proud to support collaboration that improves productivity, transparency and client experience. I encourage SMEs with relevant or adaptable technology to get involved and help shape the next wave of Legal AI.”

Participant comments:

Aston University “Aston University is committed to driving innovation across the West Midlands and supporting the region’s next generation of technology talent, a key objective of the Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute. Partnering with SuperTech on the LawTech Innovation Challenge aligns with our mission to bring academia and industry together. Through pioneering research and industry collaboration we are accelerating the development of practical, responsible AI technologies. We look forward to working with participating SMEs and legal firms to help shape AI solutions that strengthen the competitiveness of the region’s legal sector.” Professor Mike Caine, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, Aston University

Fieldfisher “Fieldfisher is proud to deepen its commitment to the West Midlands as we invest in our new offices and expand our regional presence and strengthen our European connections. Hosting the launch of SuperTech’s second LawTech Innovation Challenge reflects our confidence in the strength of the local innovation ecosystem. The programme provides a valuable opportunity to collaborate with ambitious SMEs and explore new applications of Legal AI that can support our clients and our people.” Ranjit Dhindsa, Birmingham Office Leader, Fieldfisher