The Department of Finance is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Lloyd’s, the world’s leading insurance and reinsurance market for global risk, that will see Ireland host a dedicated cohort of the Lloyd’s Lab Accelerator programme in the first half of 2026.
Lloyd’s Lab is a ten-week global accelerator, connecting start-ups and scale-ups with the Lloyd’s insurance market, to develop and test innovations addressing key industry challenges. Established in 2018, the Lloyd’s Lab is a launchpad for scalable innovation, connecting forward-thinking companies with market experts to co-develop solutions that shape the future of insurance.
This represents a landmark opportunity to showcase Ireland’s position as a hub for insurance and financial services, building on the country’s strengths in innovation, talent, and international connectivity.
Speaking about the new collaboration Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, said:
“The decision to bring part of the Lloyd’s Lab programme to Ireland is a strong vote of confidence in our financial services ecosystem. It builds on our strengths as a leading international hub for insurance and financial services, and it aligns directly with the objectives of the Ireland for Finance strategy. This initiative will showcase Ireland’s skilled workforce, regulatory strength, and innovative culture to the global market, while offering Irish firms unique opportunities to engage with the Lloyd’s community worldwide.”
This partnership highlights a mutual commitment to advancing insurance solutions and showcasing Irish talent internationally while supporting the objectives of the Ireland for Finance Strategy to enhance competitiveness and innovation.
The Minister of State at Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services, Insurance and Credit Unions, Robert Troy TD, said:
“Hosting a Lloyd’s innovation programme is an exciting development for Ireland’s insurance sector. The Lloyds Lab Accelerator Programme is globally recognised for developing solutions to the risks of the future, and its presence in Ireland reinforces our commitment to continuous reform and to our financial services industry. The Government’s Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025–2029 places innovation, transparency, and resilience at its core, ensuring Ireland remains competitive, open to new entrants, and trusted by international investors. This collaboration with Lloyd’s will further deliver on those priorities.”
Ireland is Lloyd’s largest European market, with Gross Signed Premium reaching €661 million in 2024. Building on this strong foundation, Lloyd’s along with the Department of Finance, IDA and Enterprise Ireland will work together to promote the new programme, share expertise, and provide technical support to ensure the success of the new Irish-themed cohort.
Lloyd’s Chief Executive, Patrick Tiernan said:
“I am delighted that the Government of Ireland’s Department of Finance has asked us to dedicate a future Lloyd’s Lab cohort to Irish innovation. The Lloyd’s Lab sits at the centre of insurance innovation, helping market participants turn emerging risks into actionable solutions. This initiative will not only spotlight Ireland’s exceptional insurtech talent but also strengthen the global connections that make our market so unique. Together, we’re creating a platform for commercially viable ideas that can enhance resilience, unlock new premium, and shape the future of insurance—both in Ireland and around the world."
The collaboration will include a dedicated Irish theme within upcoming Lloyd’s Lab cohort 16 due to take place in H1 of 2026 - one of three strategic themes selected for each cohort - with sub-themes focused on flood risk, cyber, artificial intelligence and enabling the economy through supporting export finance. The initiative is designed to deliver commercially viable solutions that strengthen market resilience, unlock new premium, and support the evolution of insurance products across both the Irish and global markets.
Applications for those interested in applying for Cohort 16 will open on 10 December 2025. More information on Lloyd’s Lab is available https://www.lloyds.com/lloydslab
