A newly added mentorship program extends support beyond the contest, and the winning entry will earn a spot at the Startup World Cup with a chance to compete for a $1 million investment prize.
We want to find people solving problems that matter and give them access to an industry ecosystem that can help them take the next step.”— Stacey Brown, Founder & President, InsurTech America
Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 InsurTech America Innovation Challenge, which has been expanded this year to include $30,000 in cash prizes, a brand-new mentorship initiative, and a chance for a single winner to move on to the Startup World Cup event in San Francisco.
This nationwide contest gathers startups, scale-ups, students, insurance carriers, and industry leaders to pinpoint and propel solutions that tackle genuine insurance problems.
The 2026 Challenge will distribute $30,000 in unconditional cash awards across three categories, backed by The Hartford, Travelers, InsurTech America, and the State of Connecticut. Submissions close on October 7, and finalists will move on to the Innovation Challenge Showcase & Awards on October 27 at Nassau Financial Group in Hartford.
This year marks the first time the Innovation Challenge will function as an official qualifier for the Startup World Cup, a distinct global startup contest run by Pegasus Tech Ventures. One winner from the Innovation Challenge will gain the chance to proceed to the Startup World Cup finals in San Francisco, where startups from qualifiers worldwide will compete for a $1 million investment award from Pegasus Tech Ventures.
“Insurance innovation doesn’t happen because someone gives a great pitch. It happens when the right idea meets the right people, industry knowledge and opportunity to execute,” said Stacey Brown, Founder and President of InsurTech America. “The Innovation Challenge is designed to create those connections. We want to find people solving problems that matter and give them access to an industry ecosystem that can help them take the next step.”
$30,000 Across Three Challenges
Future of Customer Protection Award | $10,000 | Sponsored by The Hartford: Honors a creative, real-world application that leverages AI and emerging technologies to help businesses and insurers anticipate, prevent, measure, and handle 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 current students and Spring 2026 graduates of Connecticut colleges and universities who are developing promising insurance innovation ventures. Prizes are $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $2,000 for third place.
Beyond the Awards
New this year, the Innovation Challenge Mentorship Program provides ongoing support after the competition. Starting November 9, finalists and winners can take part in organized mentorship and industry interaction until February 27, 2027.
“An award can create momentum, but access and relationships are what can turn that momentum into progress,” Brown said. “We want participants to leave this program with more than a trophy or a check. We want them to leave with stronger ideas, stronger industry relationships and a clearer path forward.”
Key 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
Submissions Now Open
Entrepreneurs, scaling companies, students, and innovators may submit their applications for the 2026 InsurTech America Innovation Challenge until October 7, 2026.
Learn more and apply at <a href
