Past Finalists
2026 Prize Categories
Discover the award categories for the 2026 InsurTech America Innovation Challenge.
The Hartford Future of Customer Protection Award
This award recognizes an innovative, practical solution that uses AI and emerging technologies to help businesses and insurers predict, prevent, quantify, and manage risk.
Solutions may turn complex data into actionable insights, enable continuous monitoring and real-time alerts, reduce losses, and address risks.
Best Emerging Product / Service
This award recognizes a new product or service that addresses technological, societal, or economic changes affecting customers and the insurance industry.
Delivering innovative solutions to emerging needs and challenges.
Student Entrepreneur Seed Fund Award
The CT Student Entrepreneur Seed Fund recognizes promising insurance innovation ventures led by current students or Spring 2026 graduates of Connecticut colleges and universities.
The award is designed to encourage the next generation of talent and entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions that strengthen the insurance industry, with potential focus areas including loss reduction, fraud detection, risk management, operational efficiency, and distribution.
What Is the Innovation Challenge?
The InsurTech America Innovation Challenge recognizes the most revolutionary ideas and creations across the insurance industry.
The Insurtech America Innovation Challenge was launched to recognize and honor the most revolutionary ideas and creations across the insurance industry. The Challenge brings together forward-thinking insurance carriers, startups, and industry leaders to solve real business problems — from underwriting and claims to risk management and emerging technologies.
This is not just a pitch competition. It's a structured program designed to deliver real signal, real connections, and real impact.
Why Participate?
For Insurance Carriers
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Expand your innovation pipeline
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Gain fresh external perspectives
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Engage stakeholders across your organization
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Drive internal alignment and buy‑in
For Startups
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Gain exposure to top carriers
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Access structured feedback from industry experts
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Win prize money and recognition
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Join a network of past winners scaling their solutions
Interested in participating in the 2026 Innovation Challenge?
Contact UsHow the Program Works
A structured process to source, evaluate, and engage solutions — driving impact beyond the event.
Submissions Open
August 17 – October 7The Innovation Challenge begins with a targeted call for solutions. We invite startups, scale-ups, and innovators from across the insurance ecosystem to submit their breakthrough ideas.
Evaluation
October 8 – October 20Once submissions close, our panel of evaluators — including insurance carriers, industry experts, and technology leaders — reviews and scores each application to identify the most promising solutions.
Finalist Announcement
October 20Finalists are announced publicly. Selected innovators will be invited to present their solutions at the Showcase & Awards event.
Showcase & Awards
October 27Finalists present their solutions to a distinguished panel of judges at the Showcase & Awards event. Winners are announced in each category — with prize money and recognition.
Mentorship Program
November 9 – February 27Winning isn't the finish line. It's the starting point. Our Mentorship Program connects finalists and winners with experienced insurance and insurtech leaders for ongoing engagement, structured milestones, and mentor-guided support.
NEW THIS YEAR: MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Winning isn't the finish line. It's the starting point.
That's why we're introducing the Innovation Challenge Mentorship Program — designed to help finalists and winners turn their breakthrough ideas into lasting impact.
Past Insurtech America Innovation Challenge Finalists and Winners
The Travelers seek innovative insurance solutions that address risks associated with climate change, electrification, mental health, renewable energy space, technological advancements, and societal changes.
Prize - $10,000
Sponsored By
Winner
Other Finalists
The Hartford seeks innovative solutions to help with health and safety for our insureds. Examples of the types of solutions we hope to see include remote monitoring, coaching, and care delivery.
Prize - $10,000
Sponsored By
Winner
Other Finalists
Being an early-stage startup isn't easy. This category is for new, emerging startups with less than $1m in combined revenue and capital invested.
Prize - $5,000
Sponsored By
Winner
Other Finalists
Innovation Challenge Finals and Awards
Discover the past winners of the InsurTech America Innovation Challenge
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