Zurich launches global competition for insurtech startups

The Championship, which focuses on young companies with established products or services, will provide start-ups with the opportunity to get in touch with a leading multi-line insurer. Winners have the chance to apply their solutions for Zurich’s customers in selected countries. The Championship kicked off in individual countries, among them Switzerland.

With its new global competition, Zurich takes a further step in its aim to transform the insurance industry. Giovanni Giuliani, Group Chief Strategy, Innovation and Business Development Officer, commented: “Zurich is committed to being a ground-breaking customer-led insurer and wants to accelerate the transformation of its business model by refocusing its offerings to ensure they meet the needs of today’s digital-savvy customers. The Zurich Innovation World Championship will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to drive transformation of the insurance industry”

Running in more than 20 countries worldwide, the Championship is now open for registration. Start-ups in the fields of mobility, smart homes and buildings, digital health and financial planning are thereby invited to submit their application until 30 September.

The Championship is organised in three levels: country level, regional level (North America, Latin America, Europe and Middle East and Asia Pacific) and global level. The overall winners in the countries will go into a regional round. A winner from each region will be selected to proceed to the final global competition. The final round will be held in February 2019 in Zurich and judged by an expert panel. The winners will receive bronze, silver and gold prizes and the resources to implement a pilot program with Zurich’s customers. There will only be three winners but others may be asked to re-apply next year.

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. With about 53,000 employees, it provides a wide range of property and casualty, and life insurance products and services in more than 210 countries and territories.

(Press release/ran)