About the Hub
Funding
Funded by the European Union and the State of Lower Saxony as an innovation network for the digital transformation of the legal market.
The German Legal Tech Hub is being funded as an innovation network under the guideline on grants for the funding of innovation networks – from funds of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), More Developed Regions (MDR) programme area, as well as by the State of Lower Saxony. The funding runs for three years, from July 2026 to July 2029.
The funding programmeWhat an innovation network is
The State of Lower Saxony provides funding under the guidelines on grants for the promotion of innovation networks (decree of the Ministry of Economic Affairs dated 4 July 2024) for the operation of selected networks. The aim is to boost innovation through participation in high-performing Lower Saxony innovation networks.
The aim is to strengthen knowledge and technology transfer and collaboration within industry and with academia. Funding supports network management – the work that holds a network together and develops it further – rather than the projects of individual partners.
What network management involves
- Managing the network: facilitating collaboration and the exchange of information, connecting companies with support
- Promoting the network: attracting new companies and organisations, raising visibility
- Education and training, workshops and conferences for knowledge exchange, networking and international collaboration
What is the ERDF?
The European Regional Development Fund is a fund of the European Union. Funding for innovation networks forms part of the EU Structural Funds 2021–2027 and is based, among other things, on Regulations (EU) 2021/1060 and 2021/1058.
What does “More Developed Region (SER)” mean?
Lower Saxony is divided into two programme areas for EU funding: the transition region made up of eleven districts (including Celle, Lüneburg and Stade) and the more developed region. The latter comprises the rest of the state – including Hannover.
Who approves the funding?
Under the guideline, the approving authority is the Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen (NBank) in Hannover. The guideline is in effect from 29 July 2024 to 31 December 2029.
Who is eligible for funding?
The legal entity that operates the network and is authorised to do so by the partners. The operator and the majority of partners must have a place of business or registered office in Lower Saxony.
The projectKnowledge and technology transfer for the legal market
The Hub connects start-ups, companies, law firms, public administrations as well as academia and research to drive dialogue forward together and develop new solutions for the legal market. The focus is on current developments in artificial intelligence.
Through a central online community platform, we create a digital infrastructure for knowledge and technology transfer, reflected in our focus groups and webinars. This is complemented by regular events such as our roadshows across Germany and the German Legal Tech Summit.
A key element is targeted support for start-ups through tailored programmes, access to investors and strategic partnerships. A structured matching process ensures that companies and providers find exactly the right fit. By connecting with InsurTech, GovTech, RegTech and TaxTech, we unlock synergies – nationally and internationally.
Project GoalsWhat weaim to achieve by 2029
- Further expanding a nationwide network for Legal Tech and Legal AI – with Lower Saxony as the organisational hub
- Expanding existing offerings and developing new formats
- Bringing innovations into practice faster
- Intensify the transfer of knowledge between practice, academia, business, public administration and the start-up scene
- Strengthening Lower Saxony as an innovation hub for the digital transformation of law
The objectives are taken from our press release of 30 July 2026.
In developing and implementing the funding project, we worked closely with hannoverimpuls and Georg Leuteritz.
Get involved
The network thrives on its partners
Companies, law firms, public administration, academia and start-ups all help shape the innovation network. They can take part in Roadshows and webinars, work in focus groups as members, or find suitable partners via the Concierge. Special terms and the Pitch Trophy are available for start-ups.
View datesPrimary SourcesFor further reading
Join the innovation network
Whether law firm, legal department, public administration, provider or start-up: find the right way in.