Make the difference Qorus-NTT DATA Innovation in Insurance Awards 2025

Concept and objectives: MtD is an experiential strategic program designed to equip Zurich employees with the skills, mindset, and methodologies to drive innovation and problem-solving within the organization. It focuses on design thinking, agile principles, and business impact, enabling participants to address real-world strategic challenges. As of 2025, the program is composed of 2 round, each with 2 phase. The first round is a regional round, ran for 80 participants across four region - with hubs in Chicago, Sao Paolo, Zurich and Singapore. Participants are trained in person for one month in innovation practices, through internal training but also a partnership with the University of St. Gallen (HSG); they then move on to a 3 month "project phase" during which they work hand-in-hand with regional and national business unit on problem they are facing. After this regional round, the top 20 participants from around the globe are selected to participate in a Global Round in Zurich, Switzerland. In a similar fashion, they receive a one month in person training on leadership supported by Zurich top executives including Group and Regional CEO, as well as HSG professors. Finally, participants move on to work on global project for 3 months aligned with Zurich Insurance group strategy.

Reasons behind: Zurich Insurance recognized the need to cultivate an internal culture of innovation to stay competitive in an evolving market. Traditional corporate training programs often fail to deliver tangible business outcomes. MtD bridges this gap by combining hands-on learning with real business challenges, ensuring that innovation is not just theoretical but directly applied.

State of competition: Many insurers invest in leadership and innovation training, but MtD differentiates itself by tying learning outcomes to real-world business challenges. Unlike generic training programs, it integrates participants into Zurich’s strategic initiatives, ensuring direct organizational impact.

Sources of inspiration: The program draws inspiration from leading innovation methodologies used in the startup ecosystem, such as IDEO Design Thinking, lean startup principles, and agile frameworks. It also reflects Zurich’s broader strategic priorities, aligning innovation efforts with business goals.

Departments involved: MtD is a cross-functional initiative involving Group Strategy, innovation teams, senior leadership, and group HR.

Main results so far: • Over 12 program cycles with 261 global participations. • Strong engagement from alumni, with many applying innovation methodologies in their day-to-day roles. • Direct contributions to strategic initiatives, enhancing customer experience, operational efficiency, and product innovation. • Positive feedback from executives on the program’s impact on Zurich’s innovation culture.