Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska encourages insurance tech innovation by mentoring, hosting practice pitch session for startup companies

Seven startups in varying stages of developing insurance industry technology solutions had the opportunity to “practice their pitches” to an audience of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska employees, as part of the company’s partnership with the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA).

The GIA’s intensive, mentor-driven accelerator program empowers insurance technology startups to refine their products, gain market traction and secure funding. Through this mutually beneficial relationship with GIA, BCBSNE has early access to innovative insurance technology solutions while contributing to the growth of participating start-ups by offering industry expertise, mentorship and potential collaboration opportunities.

“It’s humbling to witness the passion these innovators have in thinking of ways to break through barriers and drive positive change for the insurance industry,” said Rama Kolli, chief information officer at BCBSNE. “Fostering a culture of innovation helps companies like ours improve the customer experience and can help make it easier and more efficient to interact with us.”

Jeff Russell, president and CEO of BCBSNE, emphasized that the practice pitch event was more than a learning experience for the startups – it was also a chance for BCBSNE leaders to explore how innovation can shape the insurance industry by addressing customer challenges from a new perspective.

“Real innovation happens when we adopt a disruptor’s mindset,” Russell said. “At Blue Cross, we want to infuse that entrepreneurial spirit into everything we do and always be thinking about ways to better serve our customers and community.”

In 2024, BCBSNE became the first health insurance company to invest in and partner with the GIA. The collaboration allows BCBSNE to explore technologies and approaches that can enhance the insurance experience for Nebraskans while contributing to industry as a whole.

Dan Israel, managing director at the GIA, said BCBSNE’s support for innovation is critical. “Partnerships like the one we have with Blue Cross help us continue to empower companies to push the insurance industry forward,” he said.

Learn more about the GIA at GlobalInsuranceAccelerator.com. 

Read more about BCBSNE’s partnership with the GIA on BCBSNE’s Newsroom.