Exploring the Future of Insurance Innovation: Insights from Qorus 2025

As a member of NTT DATA’s Global Marketing & Communication Division, I focus on elevating our brand in key global markets. Since October 2020, I’ve been primarily responsible for the insurance sector, and this June, I had the privilege to attend the Qorus-NTT DATA Innovation in Insurance Awards 2025 in Warsaw, where NTT DATA proudly served as a lead sponsor.

This was my first visit to Warsaw, and I must say, the experience was both intellectually rewarding and personally meaningful. The city was vibrant, the participants welcoming, and the learning environment inspiring—in many ways, it reminded me of a friendly yet deeply purposeful academic forum.

Why Qorus Matters

For those familiar with Qorus, the organization needs no introduction. But for those new to the space: Qorus is one of the world’s most respected networks for innovation in financial services. The annual Innovation in Insurance Awards provides a platform for insurers, insurtechs, and partners to showcase transformative initiatives, gain recognition, and benchmark against the best. NTT DATA chose to support this event because we believe deeply in its mission: to drive industry-wide progress through shared innovation, cross-border exchange, and technology-enabled transformation.

This year’s forum brought together leaders from across Europe, Asia, and beyond—including standout participants from Japan and Taiwan. The atmosphere was global yet personal, professional yet warm. I was deeply moved by how warmly I was welcomed despite my less-than-perfect English.

Industry Insights from the Ceremony: Three Major Trends

1. AI: From Hype to Pragmatism

AI is arguably the most discussed two-letter term in the industry today. With so much said and written, one might feel fatigued. Unless you're an AI specialist, offering a fresh take can be daunting. And yet, as one speaker put it, "AI is the most powerful two letters in business today."

From the ceremony, several consistent AI-related messages emerged:

• AI is not the goal. It's the enabler: Time and again, presenters underscored that innovation should not be "tech for tech’s sake"

• "Don’t believe in tech for tech": Solutions that earned recognition were those that solved real business challenges and improved the customer journey.

• Culture before code: Companies like Swiss Re and Bradesco succeeded with AI because they streamlined their processes before deploying it. Culture, structure, and readiness were prerequisites.

• AI is not a magic wand: Presenters took a sober view of AI's potential, emphasizing thoughtful implementation over hype.

• AI = Augmented Intelligence: Jean-Marc Pailhol of Allianz Partners brilliantly reframed AI not as artificial intelligence, but as augmented intelligence—a tool to enhance, not replace, human potential. This will be a quote I continue to use often.

• Enterprise-wide adoption matters: Firms like ERGO and Cathay Life stood out by making AI usage part of daily operations and culture—a point NTT DATA has long emphasized in our messaging.

2. Embedded Insurance and Insurance as an Ecosystem Enabler

Another powerful theme was the changing role of insurers. While the ceremony was full of warm camaraderie, the presenters spoke with conviction about the industry's future.

• Insurers must reinvent: As Jean-Marc Pailhol noted, the industry is entering a "new universe," one defined by client centricity, modular products, and platform interoperability.

• Insurance is no longer a standalone product—it is a catalyst: As ecosystems grow and diversify, insurance becomes a seamless part of the value chain.

• Embedded insurance is gaining traction: It turns protection into a service experience. It is expected to grow from $50B (2020) to over $700B by 2030 (InsTech London), with McKinsey and the World Economic Forum echoing its transformative potential.

• New players reinforce this shift: Presentations from CVA and WIYO showcased how tech-native companies are building insurance into the fabric of other industries like mobility and telecom.

• AI will accelerate this trend: By enabling micro-personalization and intelligent risk prediction, AI allows insurers to become not just risk-bearers, but proactive co-creators in customer ecosystems.

From my perspective, the insurer’s role as a cross-industry catalyst is not new—but it is being redefined and spotlighted in ways we’ve never seen before. Insurance has always worked best when embedded within a service. What’s different now is the intentionality, scalability, and data-driven design behind it.

3. Data Monetization: The Next Frontier

One trend that captured my imagination was the untapped potential in data monetization.

• Insurers own unique behavioral data: When applied ethically and intelligently, this data can power new services, collaborations, and revenue streams.

• Data readiness is key: Security, compliance, and internal alignment are not optional—they’re foundational.

• Tech vendors play a crucial role: Companies like NTT DATA can help insurers structure, secure, and activate their data.

• Collaboration is the new innovation: When insurers and technology partners co-create data monetization frameworks, they elevate the insurer's role in value creation—not just for policyholders, but across entire industries.

At NTT DATA, we have unique experience and case studies in this space, and we believe strongly that insurers’ compliance-centric DNA positions them to lead responsibly.

Personal Reflection & Next Steps

This experience left me with not just inspiration, but motivation. I want to deepen my knowledge, grow my network, and contribute to building the frameworks that will define our industry's future.

If one small insight can help NTT DATA and our insurance partners become catalysts for the age of AI-powered ecosystems, that would be incredibly rewarding.

And finally, to echo what I shared during the ceremony—this day may not have been my wedding, but it was certainly one of the most surprising and glorious moments of my life. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Let’s continue shaping the future of insurance—together.