Written by Sabine VanderLinden

Have you ever witnessed a magician pull a tennis ball out of an iPad? Or watched a Rubik’s Cube solve itself in seconds? If you were at Zurich’s Innovation Championship Demo Day 2024, you’d know that magic isn’t just about illusions—it’s about innovation, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

On a crisp September evening in Zurich, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders gathered to celebrate the future of insurance and technology. As a city renowned for fostering innovation and urban transformation, Zurich stands at the forefront of modernizing city infrastructure and cultivating vibrant innovation ecosystems. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the buzz of new ideas and the promise of groundbreaking solutions. From its beginning in ancient times, the concept of innovation has evolved from a notion often viewed with skepticism to a celebrated driver of economic and societal progress.

A Magical Kick-Off

The event opened with a spellbinding performance by Simon Pierro, the world-renowned iPad magician from Germany. He dazzled the audience with digital tricks that blurred the lines between reality and technology.

From pulling photographs out of his iPad to manipulating the sun in a sunset picture, Simon reminded us that innovation can be as enchanting as it is transformative. His act showcased the transformation of traditional magic into digital innovation, highlighting how transformation is central to progress and creativity.

Magic is about looking at things from a different perspective, Simon said, setting the tone for an evening of exploration and wonder. Simon Pierro

Vincent Landon, Senior Writer and Editor, Zurich and the Master of Ceremonies, took us on an engaging, humorous and entertaining journey, too.

The Role of Zurich Insurance Group: Pioneering Innovation

For over 150 years, Zurich Insurance Group has been a trailblazer in the world of insurance, consistently setting new standards for risk management services and innovative insurance products. With a global presence, Zurich serves multinational corporations, small businesses, public and voluntary organisations, offering a comprehensive range of solutions designed to protect and empower communities everywhere.

By harnessing the latest technology and fostering collaboration across industries, Zurich Insurance Group continues to expand its services and cover emerging risks, including those posed by climate change, and I have seen this working with the Zurich Group for over 7 years.

This forward-thinking approach has made Zurich a trusted partner for businesses and communities around the world, always ready to adapt and lead in an ever-evolving environment. Whether it’s supporting a local startup or providing tailored solutions for global enterprises, Zurich’s commitment to innovation ensures that its customers are always one step ahead.

Spotlight on Startups: Shaping the Future

Merlynn: Preserving Expertise through Digital Twins

Imagine having instant access to the knowledge of your company’s top experts, anytime and anywhere. Merlynn is making this a reality by creating digital twins of claim professionals. By codifying the decision-making processes of experienced staff, Merlynn ensures that organisations preserve and sustain critical expertise, so that essential knowledge remains available and new team members are supported. Sustaining knowledge within an organisation is vital for long-term success, as it enables continuous improvement and adaptation in a changing environment. We aim to enhance human decision-making, not replace it, Merlynn‘s representative explained. Their technology promises consistent claim handling and improved customer experiences—a true enabler when thinking about workforce sustainability.

Sixfold: Empowering Underwriters with AI

Then, in the fast-changing world of commercial insurance, underwriters juggle massive amounts of data daily. Sixfold introduces an underwriting AI that sifts through thousands of pages of documentation, summarizing key risk factors in seconds, giving underwriters a significant advantage by enabling faster and more accurate decision-making. I can get a picture of a risk in seconds, exclaimed a supporter who tested the system. With Sixfold‘s solution, underwriters can focus on building relationships and making informed decisions, ultimately serving more customers efficiently.

LoyJoy: Engaging the Next Generation

Reaching younger audiences requires meeting them where they are—on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. LoyJoy bridges the gap by transforming traditional insurance content into interactive, chat-based conversations that resonate with Generation Z’s preferences.

With attention spans averaging just 8 seconds, LoyJoy‘s approach ensures that vital information about insurance reaches young people in a format they love, fostering greater awareness and engagement. In addition to engagement, LoyJoy also supports the education of young people about insurance, helping them build knowledge and confidence in making informed decisions.

Risk Management Services and the Spirit of Innovation

At the core of Zurich Insurance Group’s mission lies a deep commitment to risk management.

Recognized for its leadership in this field, Zurich delivers risk management services that are as dynamic and diverse as its customer base. From small businesses seeking protection for their operations to large enterprises navigating complex global risks, Zurich’s insurance products and solutions are designed to be both comprehensive and adaptable. The company’s focus on understanding the unique challenges faced by each client allows it to support startups and established businesses alike, helping them manage uncertainty and expand with confidence. By continuously evolving its risk management strategies, Zurich Insurance Group empowers communities and businesses to thrive in a complex world, ensuring that innovation and support go hand in hand.

Wisdom from Industry Leaders

The evening wasn’t just about showcasing technology. It was indeed about understanding how innovation fits into the broader picture.

Michel Liès, Chairman of the Board, Zurich Insurance, shared insights on the importance of maintaining a childlike curiosity. He reminded us that innovation isn’t bound by age but fueled by a mindset open to exploration and embracing change.

Ericson Chan, Chief Information and Digital Officer, highlighted the significance of focusing on real business opportunities and challenges. He emphasized that while AI and technology are tools, true innovation comes from addressing pain points and improving customer experiences. At this point in the innovation process, identifying and solving these critical challenges is essential for achieving meaningful impact.

Talking To The Multinational Corporations 

I enjoyed a lively panel discussion with Cara Morton, Juan Beer and Christoph Lechner. We delved into the dynamics of collaboration between corporations and startups and explored how aligning cultures, expectations, and governance models is key to successful partnerships.

This is what we call the Venture-Client Model. Zurich Insurance has also been one of the companies at the forefront of this dynamic change management and transformative initiative within the insurance sector.

We emphasized the importance of considering the needs of all stakeholders—including customers, employees, shareholders, and communities—in building successful collaborations. Zurich and its partners serve these stakeholders by providing value and support through their collaborative efforts.

Enhancing Customer Loyalty and Experience

Conny Kalcher, Chief Customer Officer, spoke about earning customer loyalty through deep understanding and personalized experiences. Conny introduced MentionMe, a platform that turns satisfied customers into brand advocates, leveraging the power of referrals to drive growth. She also highlighted how offering a competitive price can significantly enhance customer loyalty and retention, as customers are more likely to stay with brands that provide consistent value and affordability.

Parloa showcased an AI-powered voice assistant that transforms customer service calls into seamless, efficient interactions. By authenticating callers and providing agents with relevant information upfront, Parloa improves customer satisfaction and service teams' satisfaction.

Health and Well-being: A Personal Touch

In life and health insurance, NalaGenetics is making personalized healthcare accessible. By offering genetic testing paired with tailored health programs, they empower customers to control their well-being.

Alison Martin, CEO of EMEA and Bank Distribution, shared a personal story highlighting the impact of understanding one’s genetic profile. With NalaGenetics, customers receive actionable insights to manage or prevent chronic conditions, aligning insurance services with proactive health management. Personalized health management improves quality of life and supports planning for a secure retirement, ensuring long-term financial and health security.

Networking Magic: Connections that Spark Change

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation—connections, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas fuel it. Zurich Insurance Group understands this deeply, which is why it actively builds bridges with businesses, universities, and community groups around the globe. These partnerships enable Zurich to co-create cutting-edge insurance products and solutions that truly address the needs of its customers.

By working closely with technology partners, Zurich has developed advanced software and production systems that help manage and mitigate risk more effectively. This spirit of collaboration supports the growth of new businesses and strengthens the entire insurance ecosystem. Through its commitment to networking and partnership, Zurich Insurance Group continues to lead the way in delivering innovative solutions that make a real difference for communities and companies.

Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation

As the evening drew to a close, Joel Agard, Head of Group Innovation and Anthony Elliott, Head of Digital R&D, both architects of the Zurich Innovation Championship, reflected on the program’s journey over the past five years. Zurich has demonstrated a commitment to innovation over many years, with several years of running the Innovation Championship highlighting their long-term dedication.

The foundation of Zurich's innovation program provides essential support for ongoing progress, enabling the company to solve real-world problems through collaboration and co-creation—not just by embracing new technologies. Innovation should never stop, Joel remarked, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon.

Honoring Excellence: The Innovation Awards

Celebrating creativity and achievement is a cornerstone of Zurich Insurance Group’s culture. Through its prestigious innovation awards, Zurich recognizes the outstanding contributions of employees, partners, and customers who drive progress in the insurance industry. These awards spotlight groundbreaking insurance products, transformative risk management solutions, and impactful community initiatives. By honoring excellence, Zurich not only rewards innovation but inspires others to push boundaries and develop new solutions that benefit customers and society. The recognition that comes with these awards has become a mark of distinction in the industry, reinforcing Zurich’s role as a champion of progress and a catalyst for positive change in business and beyond.

A Toast to the Future

Zurich's Innovation Championship Demo Day 2024 was a testament to the power of innovation when fueled by passion and purpose. It celebrated the synergy between technology and human ingenuity, showcasing solutions that will shape the future of insurance and beyond.

As we move forward, we're reminded that magic happens when we look at challenges from new perspectives, embrace collaboration, and remain curious—just like the iPad magician Simon Pierro,  who invited us to see the world differently.

Thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable.

Getting Involved: Join the Next Wave of Innovation

Are you ready to shape the future of insurance? Zurich Insurance Group always seeks passionate, creative individuals to join its global team. Whether you’re a student eager to launch your career, a startup founder with a bold idea, or an experienced professional seeking new challenges, Zurich offers a dynamic environment where innovation thrives.

With a comprehensive range of insurance products and a strong focus on risk management, Zurich empowers its employees to develop solutions that impact communities worldwide.

By joining Zurich, you’ll be part of a team that’s dedicated to supporting customers, tackling complex challenges, and building a safer, more resilient future for all. If you’re driven by curiosity and ambition, Zurich Insurance Group is the perfect place to turn your ideas into reality and help lead the insurance industry's evolution.