Zurich has opened the Innovation World Championship, inviting start-ups from more than 20 countries including Australia and New Zealand to make propositions.

Participants will move through country and regional selection rounds to contend for global gold, silver and bronze prizes, including financial and other support for pilot programs.

Country and regional winners will also receive prizes, to be determined at the local level.

Zurich says the championship will focus on start-ups with established products or services in the areas of mobility, smart homes and buildings, digital health and financial planning.

“Zurich is committed to being a groundbreaking, customer-led insurer and wants to accelerate the transformation of its business model by refocusing its offerings to ensure they meet the needs of today’s digital-savvy customers,” Group Chief Strategy, Innovation and Business Development Officer Giovanni Giuliani said.

The competition’s final round is in February, comprising regional winners from North America, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

Juries of sector experts, innovation leaders and senior business executives will choose the winners. Applications close on September 20 and can be made here.