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Launch Innovation Programme 2026

We believe better collaboration with start-ups and scale-ups, who are adaptive and innovative in employing technology is key to delivering exceptional service and enhancing our capabilities for our customers

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What is the Launch Innovation Programme?

 

Launch is our 12 week collaborative innovation programme focussed on delivering a faster route to experimentation with potential partners. Work with the UK's largest bank, gain insights from senior leaders and top-tier experts.

Why join?

  • Collaborate with our dedicated team to define and scope experiments.
  • Validate value propositions and tackle key strategic challenges.
  • Progress to a commercial proof of concept for the most successful ideas.
  • Potential to move into a longer term partnership.

Who we're looking for

Ambitious companies, fintechs and individuals ready to solve one of our business challenges. If you believe your solution can help, we want to hear from you, regardless of your industry.

Don't miss out on this chance to innovate, benefit from mutual learning and make a real impact! 

What we love to see in our applications

Showcase your proposition's link to our challenges: Clearly explain how your solution addresses our Launch 2026 challenges. Make it evident how your idea aligns with our goals.

Highlight your unique selling points: Focus on what makes your solution unique and valuable. Emphasise the specific benefits and innovations your solution offers our customers.

2026 key dates

  • Open for application: Friday, 6 February 2026
  • Applications close: Friday, 6 March 2026
  • Shortlist invited for demonstration and Q&A: Week of 9 March 2026
  • Finalists announced: March 2026

2026 brief: more detail

We're especially interested in partners who are focused on these themes:

  • AdTech & Marketing Tech
    Tools that increase visibility and drive more Scottish Widows members to our app and website.
  • Conversion Optimisation
    Solutions that streamline the transfer journey and reduce drop-offs, ensuring customers complete the process successfully.
  • Personalisation Engines
    Tailored experiences that adapt to individual customer needs, making consolidation feel relevant and easy.
  • Lifecycle Marketing
    Automated campaigns that turn initial interest into app downloads or completed transfers through timely nudges and reminders.
  • Data Analytics & Targeting
    Advanced insights to identify members most likely to benefit from consolidating pensions, enabling smarter outreach.
  • Education & Training
    Help customers with clear, jargon-free education, interactive tools, and decision support that explain whether their workplace pensions can be transferred, what benefits they might retain or lose, and how to make confident, informed choices when considering moving their pension.
2026 applications now open Opens in new tab

Launch success stories

 

  • Business challenge: Financial Planning and Added Value Services that meet customer needs

    Proposition: Aptap connect banks with Merchants, enabling a streamlines financial management experience, partnership building and the negotiation of exclusive deals that save customers money.

    How are we working together: After their participation in the Launch Programme, we have teamed up with Aptap to launch our bill switcher proposition, supporting customers to save money on their bills by comparing and switching energy, broadband, handset and sim card deals.

  • Launch Challenge: Helping customers through their life moments

    Proposition: MyPocketSkill empowers young people to become financially capable. Their digital platform supports over 120k 13-24 year olds to connect with earning opportunities beyond typical employment routes and grow their financial capability.

    How we are working together: We are working with MyPocketSkill to financially empower Gen Z. In 2025, we have offered students at 4 UK universities access to the tool - helping students earn, save and have more control over their money whilst studying.

  • Doshi logo

    Business challenge: Increase customer understanding of their finances through gamification

    Proposition: Doshi is a gamified financial education solution dedicated to helping financial institutions deepen customer loyalty, gain insights, and offer communities greater financial skills.

    How we are working together: We are currently using Doshi’s bite-sized learning, AI-powered tools, missions and rewards to support 18 to 24-year-old LBG customers with their financial confidence.

  • Business challenge: Improving our customers financial lives

    Proposition: Caura’s payment platform enables car-owners to manage tolls, city charges, MOTs, vehicle tax, and insurance all in one place. Customers can make vehicle-related payments in seconds and get competitive insurance from curated partners.

    How are we working together: Since Caura’s participation in the Launch programme and LBG’s subsequent investment in the platform, we've successfully paired 1,300 Lex customers with Caura, allowing them to effortlessly manage their Lex contracts through the app, with numbers growing daily. LBG’s 130 brokers will be actively marketing the app to customers throughout Q1 2025 to boost adoption. We have also recently launched our first exclusive leasing offer, available only through the app and further developments are on the horizon.

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