Artificial Intelligence and Actuarial Innovation 2026

As part of the AI and Emerging Technologies Symposium, we are launching a brand new competition: Artificial Intelligence and Actuarial Innovation 2026 (AI² 2026).

We are inviting individuals and teams to synthesise real-life scenarios by transforming day-to-day work challenges into practical solutions.

Who can take part

The competition is open to everyone. However, we are particularly seeking individuals and teams who are comfortable building AI-driven solutions to business challenges, especially within the actuarial profession.

Prizes and recognition

The prize is one ticket to either IFoA Life Conference 2026 or GIRO Conference 2026 conferences for each team member (maximum 3).

An IFoA-hosted webinar, devoted to the solution developed.

How the challenge works

Rather than providing a predefined task, we are asking you to draw on your own day-to-day business challenges and develop a solution.

Whether your idea involves 10,000 lines of code or is simply a concept, we welcome submissions developed independently, collaboratively with other enthusiasts, or even something you ‘vibe-coded’ on a Saturday night.

The framework for submissions can be summarised in 2 guiding principles:

  • Build AI solutions, not AI models
  • Prioritise business impact over algorithmic sophistication

Submission requirements

Your submission should include the following:

  • Abstract
  • Slides, covering:
    • Challenge
    • Solution
    • Business value
    • Implementation
    • Risks
  • (Optional) Link to a video, demo, or repository – optional for the submission, but expected to be shared by the shortlisted candidates as part of their solutions in their demo
  • Indication of whether the submission is from an individual or a team

Submission requirements

Once the application period closes, the symposium’s organising committee will review all submissions and select the top 3 based on the following criteria:

  • Practicality – 30%
  • Actuarial relevance – 25%
  • Technical quality – 20%
  • Innovation – 15%
  • Clarity and demonstration – 10%

Authors of the shortlisted submissions will be invited to present and demonstrate their functioning solutions at the symposium. Final judging will be carried out by a dedicated jury, alongside audience input, to select the overall winner.

The winning team or individual will have the opportunity to host an IFoA webinar showcasing their solution and will also receive a prize.

Key dates

The AI and Emerging Technologies Symposium will take place on 24 September. Shortlisted participants will be required to attend the final, held during the event.

Get started

Follow the link below to make your submission on the Oxford Abstracts platform.

View competition terms and conditions (PDF, 150 KB)

If you have any questions about the competition, please contact us at professional.communities@actuaries.org.uk