MENA Insurtech Startup Competition 2026
Showcase your startup to global investors, industry leaders, and regulators
MENA Insurtech Startup Competition
The 5th MENA Insurtech Summit and the 2nd MENA Fintech Summit are proud to present a dynamic Startup Competition designed to spotlight innovation in emerging markets for insurtech, fintech, and AI, with focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MEAN) Region. This Unique platform offers startups a high-impact opportunity to showcase solutions, engage global investors, and connect with regulators and industry leaders - driving growth, partnerships, and visibility on a regional and global scale.
Competition Tracks
Insurtech
- Digital underwriting & claims
- Usage-based or embedded insurance
- Parametric and microinsurance models
- AI in fraud detection, customer onboarding, or pricing
Fintech
- Digital banking, payments, and wallets
- Lending and credit scoring platforms
- Wealthtech, savings & robo-advisory
- Open banking and financial infrastructure
AI for Financial Services
- Machine learning in risk management
- Generative AI for customer experience or compliance
- Predictive analytics and automation
- Regtech and fraud prevention tools
Why Participate?
- Investor Matchmaking & B2B Networking
Gain access to strategic investors and partners for Seed and Series A stages. - 3,000+ Attendees
Engage with decision-makers from insurance, finance, and the public sector. - Mentorship from Industry Experts
Receive guidance and feedback from VCs, insurers, and ecosystem leaders. - Live Pitch on the Main Stage
Shortlisted pre-seed startups will pitch to a live audience and jury. - Recognition & Opportunities
Compete for awards, pilot programs, and sandbox opportunities with Regulators or Corporate Partners - Visibility & Media Exposure
- Get featured across summit media channels, reports, and partner promotions.
Who Should Apply?
Startups must meet the following criteria
Stage
Geographic Relevance
Based in the MENA region or targeting MENA markets
Team Commitment
At least one team member must be available to pitch onsite or virtually
Participation Tracks & Benefits for Shortlisted Startups
Category A (Seed to Series A)
- 1 Standard booth at the startup pavilion
- Pre-arranged meetings with VCs & Insurers/Banks
- Round tables for investors and startups (by invitation only)
- 3 complimentary summit passes
- Access to the event’s app for B2B matchmaking
- Company listed on summit website, event app and social media, with winners announced through newsletters to all local, regional and international database
- Opportunity to join MENA Insurtech Accelerator program for winning startups in Insurtech track
- Eligible for multiple awards (Best Startup, Top Pitch, QIC Digital Innovation Award)
- Invitation to satellite events or international showcases, part of Summit roadshow and side events
Category B (Pre-Seed and Early Stage)
- 1 Standard booth at the startup pavilion
- 5-minute live pitch on Pitch Stage, Q&A by Jury for shortlisted startups
- Round tables for investors and startups (by invitation only)
- 3 complimentary summit passes
- Access to the event’s app for B2B matchmaking
- Company listed on summit website, event app and social media, with winners announced through newsletters to all local, regional and international database
- Potential POCs with sponsors & Partners (Upon Availability)
- Eligible for multiple awards (Best Startup, Top Pitch, QIC Digital Innovation Award)
- Invitation to satellite events or international showcases, part of Summit roadshow and side events
Competition Awards
The Journey
MENA InsurTech Competition 2023 Winners
Idea Stage Winner
Early Stage Winner
Growth Stage Winner
Early Stage Winner
Growth Stage Winner
Semi- Finalists
MENA Insurtech Competition – UAE
UAE
Insurtech Ghabgha
Qatar
MENA Insurtech on Techne
Egypt
Insurtech Rally
United Kingdom
MENA Insurtech in Saudi
Saudi Arabia
MENA Insurtech (Virtual)
Virtual Competition
2023 Competition Juries
Insurtech Launchpad
Launchpad helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses by offering resources like mentorship, networking opportunities, and seed funding. It provides entrepreneurs with support to validate their ideas, develop solid business plans, and receive guidance in areas such as marketing, operations, and finance.
Applications on a rolling basis :
Launchpad Awards
Includes :
- Access to months of Incubation and acceleration programs
- Access to potential early-stage investment/investors once ready
- Delegate pass to the InsurTech Summit
- Partnership at InsurTech Association
Our competition partners
Who supported us with everything!
