HCR Law expands Impact55 programme to support more tech start-ups

HCR Law has launched the third year of Impact55, its unique support programme for start-ups which are using technology to create positive social or environmental change.

Following successful programmes in Cambridge and East Anglia, Impact55 is expanding to welcome applications from businesses across the West Midlands and South West, alongside East Anglia.

The programme offers up to £55,000 of funded legal support, giving ambitious start-ups access to specialist advice to help them attract investment and scale their growth.

One overall winner will receive £25,000 of legal support from HCR Law, while up to three runners-up will each receive £10,000.

The expansion reflects the success of the programme over the past two years and HCR Law’s commitment to supporting innovative, purpose-driven businesses across the regions in which it operates.

In 2025, HCR Law piloted the programme in Cambridge and it attracted considerable interest from start-ups driven to make a positive impact. For 2026, the competition expanded across East Anglia, with 12 businesses shortlisted and four going on to receive legal support.

The 2026 overall winner was CamGene Therapeutics Limited, a biotechnology company developing medicines that aim to treat hearing loss. Runners-up included Nanoplume, which develops sustainable insulation materials, Cellexcel, whose technology strengthens natural materials by making them more water-resistant, and Serenatis Bio, which is developing new medications to treat OCD.

Previous winners have used the legal support to help them expand into international markets and create staff incentivisation schemes.

Inger Anson, Partner and Head of Technology and Innovation at HCR Law, said: “Impact55 was created to support founders using technology to tackle real-world social and environmental challenges. Over the past two years, we have seen some true innovation emerging from tech start-ups. Robust legal support and advice in the early stages of a start-up can protect founders and their ideas at key stages of their development and prepare them for growth and investment.

“We’re excited to extend the programme into the West Midlands and South West, creating opportunities for even more businesses to access the support they need to develop, scale and maximise their impact.

“The businesses that have come through Impact55 have demonstrated how innovation can be a force for good and we look forward to discovering the next generation of founders who are using technology to make a positive difference.”

Impact55 reflects HCR Law’s commitment to supporting businesses in the communities it serves, while advancing the firm’s wider social and environmental goals.

Applications for Impact55 open on 15 September 2026.

For more details, including full entry criteria and information on how to apply, visit hcrlaw.com/impact55.