The company will select up to 12 startups from around the world in early 2022 for an “intensive” three-month “Innovation Championship Accelerator” phase – a new phase added to the program for this year, a release said. The program gives these up-and-coming startups opportunities to grow and collaborate on solutions for the insurance industry.
"The Zurich Innovation Championship allows us to connect with transformative innovations that can address the evolving needs of our customers, brokers, employees and the planet," said Zurich North America head of strategy, Innovation & business development Neeren Chauhan. "The competition offers the best and brightest startups and entrepreneurs the opportunity to shine on the world stage and collaborate with a global company whose work is deepening and extending the insurance value chain."
Zurich said that to apply for the program, startups and their initiatives must address insurance industry challenges that fall within one of four categories:
Startups that make it to the three-month accelerator phase of the program will each be provided up to US$100,000 (about CA$124,170) in financial support by Zurich, as well as expert support from the company’s insurance professionals.
The third Zurich Innovation Championship will run from April through June 2022, which will be followed by an implementation phase that will run through September 2022. Interested entrepreneurs may sign up for the program through Zurich’s website.
