A new mentorship initiative extends assistance beyond the contest, with the winner earning a spot in the Startup World Cup and a shot at a $1 million investment prize
“We aim to identify individuals tackling significant challenges and provide them with access to an industry network that can propel them forward.”— Stacey Brown, Founder & President, InsurTech America
Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 InsurTech America Innovation Challenge, which this year expands its offerings with $30,000 in cash prizes, a newly introduced mentorship program, and a chance for one winner to move on to the Startup World Cup in San Francisco.
This nationwide competition unites startups, scale-ups, students, insurance providers, and industry leaders to identify and drive forward solutions that tackle practical insurance issues.
The 2026 Challenge will distribute $30,000 in unrestricted cash awards across three categories, backed by The Hartford, Travelers, InsurTech America, and the State of Connecticut. Submissions are open until October 7, and finalists will proceed to the Innovation Challenge Showcase & Awards on October 27 at Nassau Financial Group in Hartford.
For the first time, the Innovation Challenge also functions as an official qualifier for the Startup World Cup, a separate global startup competition run by Pegasus Tech Ventures. One winner from the Innovation Challenge will gain the chance to compete at the Startup World Cup in San Francisco, where startups from qualifying events worldwide will vie for a $1 million investment prize from Pegasus Tech Ventures.
“Insurance innovation doesn’t occur because someone delivers a flawless pitch. It happens when the appropriate concept meets the right people, industry expertise, and the ability to execute,” said Stacey Brown, Founder and President of InsurTech America. “The Innovation Challenge is built to foster those connections. We aim to locate individuals addressing important problems and grant them access to an industry ecosystem that can assist them in moving forward.”
$30,000 Throughout Three Categories
Future of Customer Protection Award | $10,000 | Sponsored by The Hartford: Honors an inventive, pragmatic solution that leverages AI and emerging technologies to help businesses and insurers forecast, avert, measure, and manage risk.
Best Emerging Product / Service | $10,000 | Sponsored by Travelers: Acknowledges a new product or service that addresses technological, societal, or economic shifts impacting customers and the insurance sector.
CT Student Entrepreneur Seed Fund Award | $10,000 in total awards: Open to currently enrolled students and Spring 2026 graduates from Connecticut colleges and universities who are developing promising insurance innovation projects. Prizes include $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third.
Beyond the Prizes
New for 2026, the Innovation Challenge Mentorship Program will provide continued support after the competition ends. Starting November 9, finalists and winners can take part in organized mentorship and industry engagement through February 27, 2027.
“An award can generate momentum, but access and relationships are what can transform that momentum into progress,” Brown said. “We want participants to leave this program with more than just a trophy or a check. We want them to depart with stronger concepts, deeper industry connections, and a clearer direction forward.”
Important Dates
Submissions: Open through October 7
Finalists announced: October 20
Innovation Challenge Showcase & Awards: October 27, 12–5 p.m.
Startup World Cup Grand Finale: November 4–6 in San Francisco
Mentorship Program: November 9–February 27, 2027
Entries Now Being Accepted
Startups, scale-ups, students, and innovators may submit applications for the 2026 InsurTech America Innovation Challenge until October 7, 2026.
Learn more and apply at www.insurtechamerica.com/innovation-challenge.html.
About InsurTech America
InsurTech America unites insurance carriers, insurtech firms, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to speed up meaningful innovation throughout the insurance ecosystem. Through events, regional communities, innovation programs, and industry collaboration, the organization creates opportunities for those shaping the future of insurance to connect and turn concepts into reality.
Brett McKenzie
CoVerse Communications
brett@coversecomms.com
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
