The programme’s unique approach involves startups applying for one of four categories, facilitating personalised collaborations with Zurich’s business units on both local and global scales. Country executive teams select startups they are passionate about working with, creating focused partnerships.

Ten global winners, comprising selected startups and business units, are chosen by Zurich’s executive leadership team based on perceived global potential.Winning startups enter a validation phase from May to September 2024, receiving up to USD 100,000 in project funding. The programme focuses on collaboration, guided by subject matter experts and mentors, culminating in an Innovation Demo Day in September 2024.

Challenges this year include Commercial Insurance, Digital Simplification, Life & Health, and Retail P&C. Submissions are open until February 14, 2024, offering startups a unique opportunity to be part of this global innovation initiative.

This year’s challenges span four categories, each posing a unique question:

• Commercial Insurance: How might Zurich maintain its success in Commercial Insurance by improving technical insights and enhancing customer experience?
• Digital Simplification: How might Zurich continue digitalising its core for efficiency and agility while ensuring an exceptional experience for customers and employees?
• Life & Health: How might Zurich strengthen its position in the life sector by addressing evolving customer needs and fostering sustainable growth?
• Retail P&C: How might Zurich expand in the retail sector by protecting the things people love and interacting where and when they choose?

The Zurich Innovation Championship collaborates with key players in the startup ecosystem, including F6S, Plug and Play Tech Center, and SOSA. Startups interested in participating can submit their applications until February 14, 2024, 11:59 p.m. CET, marking a deadline for potential innovators to join the programme

Speaking about the initiative, Ericson Chan, Group Chief Information and Digital Officer for Zurich, said: “Joining forces with top innovators and startups, we’re redefining insurance at the dawn of hyper-innovation.”

He added: “Beyond this global championship, we’re reaching new heights to make life better and simpler.”