Zurich Italy hosts first AI hackathon with Microsoft

Zurich Italy  has launched its first AI Hackathon, bringing together around 40 employees from across the business to develop practical artificial intelligence applications in collaboration with Microsoft.

The three-day initiative formed part of Zurich’s broader effort to build internal AI capabilities and promote what the insurer described as a culture of “conscious innovation.” Participants from underwriting, distribution, claims, life, and operations worked in cross-functional teams to develop AI agent prototypes addressing real business use cases, with support from Microsoft solution architects.

The hackathon followed the establishment of an internal network of AI Ambassadors, representing different business functions, and an 11-hour training program delivered by Microsoft to explore AI opportunities and applications.

At the conclusion of the event, an internal Zurich jury evaluated the proposed solutions and recognized the project deemed to offer the greatest business value.