SHERIDAN, WYOMING - May 15, 2026 - insureNXT is preparing for its largest edition to date, with more than 230 exhibitors and partners confirmed for the 2026 event in Cologne. The international insurance innovation conference and trade fair is positioning itself as a growing operational and strategic meeting point for insurers, InsurTechs, technology providers, and cross-sector partners focused on transformation initiatives. Organizers also confirmed the finalists for the insureNXT Innovators Award 2026, which this year is centered entirely on artificial intelligence applications for the insurance sector. The combination of expanded exhibitor participation and AI-focused programming highlights increasing industry attention on automation, operational efficiency, and new customer service models.
Record exhibitor participation signals stronger industry engagement
insureNXT reported that 110 exhibitors and 123 partners have already confirmed participation for the 2026 edition, marking the highest level of engagement in the event's history. The organizers described the increase as evidence of continued momentum around transformation initiatives across the insurance market.
The event combines conference programming, exhibition formats, and networking activities aimed at insurers, start-ups, service providers, and industry partners. The structure is designed to support discussions around operational modernization, technology adoption, and new business models within the insurance sector.
"This record shows that the industry is not just talking about transformation, but is actively working on it. insureNXT is the place where exactly that becomes visible," emphasises Eva Rübhausen, Director of insureNXT.
The event will take place on 20 and 21 May 2026 in Cologne and is jointly organized by InsurLab Germany e.V. and Koelnmesse GmbH.
AI becomes a central focus for the 2026 program
Artificial intelligence has become a primary theme of the insureNXT Innovators Award for 2026. Organizers positioned the award as a platform for demonstrating practical AI deployment across the insurance value chain rather than theoretical innovation concepts.
The finalists selected for the "AI Pioneer" category include Carenow Healthcare, ControlExpert, and Otera. According to the organizers, the shortlisted companies were recognized for AI-driven approaches focused on automation, process efficiency, and customer interaction models relevant to insurers and insurance service operations.
The award structure reflects broader operational priorities currently shaping the insurance market, particularly around workflow optimization and technology integration. By highlighting implementation-focused use cases, the program aims to demonstrate how insurers are moving AI initiatives into practical business environments.
Partnership-driven AI models gain visibility
In addition to standalone technology solutions, the event is also emphasizing collaborative AI development models between insurers and technology firms. The "AI Collaboration Champion" category includes finalists chunkx and ERGO, Complero and Provinzial, as well as LoyJoy and R+V Versicherungen.
The shortlisted partnerships illustrate how established insurers and specialized technology providers are increasingly working together on implementation and integration projects. The focus areas highlighted by the organizers include operational efficiency, service delivery improvements, and integration of AI capabilities into existing insurance business structures.
These collaboration-focused entries also demonstrate the growing role of ecosystem partnerships within insurance transformation programs. Instead of isolated technology adoption, many insurers are pursuing external partnerships to accelerate deployment cycles and operational adaptation.
Event structure combines networking with implementation-focused formats
insureNXT continues to position itself as a hybrid platform combining strategic discussion with implementation-oriented business exchange. Organizers highlighted several recurring components of the event format, including:
- Conference sessions with industry speakers and operational case studies
- Expo areas featuring insurance technology and service providers
- Networking formats connecting insurers, start-ups, and industry partners
- Practical sessions focused on implementation approaches and operational application
The event's international positioning is intended to encourage cross-sector collaboration and broader technology exchange across the insurance market. Organizers stated that the format is designed to connect theoretical industry discussions with practical deployment considerations inside insurance organizations.
The growth in exhibitor and partner participation suggests increasing interest from insurers and technology providers seeking operational partnerships and implementation visibility within the market.
Award finalists will present live during insureNXT 2026
The final stage of the insureNXT Innovators Award will take place during the event in Cologne. Organizers confirmed that the finalists will present their solutions live before winners are selected in both categories.
The "Top 6" presentations are scheduled for 21 May 2026 from 12:00 to 12:47 in the Demo Arena. The award ceremony is planned for later the same day in the Trend Zone.
The live presentation format provides participating companies with direct visibility among insurers, technology buyers, and industry stakeholders attending the conference and exhibition. It also reinforces the event's emphasis on operationally relevant innovation and commercially applicable insurance technologies.