Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer supports inaugural AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize

Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has supported the inaugural AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize, an initiative exploring how AI and emerging technologies can help widen access to education, skills and employment for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Delivered by the EY Foundation and Social Tech Trust, in partnership with the Social Mobility Commission, the programme supported eight ventures through expert advice, mentoring, funding and access to wider networks. More than 140 ventures applied to take part.

At an event at the House of Commons on 29 October 2026, Tangent was named the inaugural winner, while Jeremy Walden, Executive Partner, UK & EMEA, announced MyPocketSkill as runner-up.

Director of Responsible Business Emma Cooke commented: “Responsible innovation requires founders to think about dismantling barriers and implementing equitable access and inclusive design as they develop their solutions. This is particularly important as technology plays an increasingly significant role in shaping how young people access education and work. HSF Kramer is proud to support a programme that gave ventures space to explore these challenges alongside their ambitions for growth. Congratulations to all eight finalists for their commitment to widening opportunity.”

Executive Partner, UK & EMEA, Jeremy Walden added: “Social mobility is a key focus for our business as we work to build our fair and inclusive firm, so it has been a privilege to work alongside the EY Foundation and the Social Mobility Commission on this initiative. AI has the capacity to deliver so much good in society and it has been inspiring to see the ideas and ambition the Challenge Prize has brought together. Well done to all!

Senior associate Tom Watkins said: "It has been incredibly rewarding to work with the ventures and see first-hand how technology can be used to broaden access to opportunity. We have been impressed by the creativity and commitment across the cohort and look forward to seeing how their ideas grow in this next stage of their development and journey."

Read the full announcement here.