NDRC and Aviva to explore news ways to digitise the insurance industry

Ireland’s first ever InsurTech Bootcamp will take place from 20 – 22 May. Hosted by early stage investor NDRC and insurance company Aviva, the weekend-long event will explore new ways to digitise the insurance industry. With advice and support from NDRC and Aviva mentors throughout the weekend, participants will have the opportunity to pitch the ideas they have developed to a panel of judges that will include – Ben Luckett, Managing Director of UK based Aviva Ventures; Ben Hurley, CEO NDRC; Fin Goulding, Aviva Ireland CIO (Chief Information Officer) and Monique Shivanandan, Global CIO Aviva. A prize fund of €8K is on offer for the winning ideas.

Data published earlier this year from CB Insights suggests investors poured $2.6bn into insurance tech startups in 2015. Insurance tech deals in the US alone rose 35% year-on-year in 2015. The internet of things, data and analytics, innovative customer experience and the sharing economy platforms are all areas of particular interest to Aviva and other insurers globally.

Aviva Ventures has £20m a year to invest over the next five years in digital and new technology businesses.

Managing Director, Ben Luckett said: “We are looking for great ideas, brilliant teams and disruptive technology or customer propositions. Ireland has a vibrant tech scene so I am looking forward to seeing the breadth, scope and level of innovation that will be on display over the course of the weekend in Dublin. By partnering with NDRC our aim is to access and then filter the ideas with the most potential”.

Ben Hurley, CEO NDRC said: “Tech startups may be the key to lowering insurance premiums and changing the way the industry works. We look forward to seeing what digital and tech ideas emerge over the course of the Bootcamp”.

NDRC was recently ranked the no 1 university business accelerator in Europe and no 2 in the world at the prestigious UBI Awards.