Arbol, a technology-driven firm specializing in parametric risk transfer, climate, and weather re/insurance, has announced the formation of a dedicated Innovation Unit. This new division will be spearheaded by Dr. Clement Atzberger, who takes on the pivotal role of Chief Scientist.
This newly formed unit will be tasked with advancing fundamental research in modeling, data analysis, and underwriting practices. Its work is designed to underpin Arbol's specialized risk offerings and broaden the range of hazards the company can evaluate and insure. Dr. Atzberger, an expert in remote sensing, will be instrumental in enhancing underwriting capabilities across Arbol's diverse portfolio, which includes agriculture, energy, wildfire, and flood, ultimately aiming to bridge coverage gaps for complex, hard-to-price risks. A significant initial focus for Dr. Atzberger will be on agricultural applications, where he will drive the creation of sophisticated models to improve products offering protection against weather and yield losses, addressing areas where conventional insurance policies fall short or where clients encounter difficulties with claims processing.
Unlike many insurers that rely on external vendors for catastrophe risk assessment, Arbol develops its own catastrophe models and assesses fourteen different perils internally. These models, especially for yield, flood, and wildfire, are continuously refined against real-world underwriting outcomes. Through the Innovation Unit, Arbol will integrate these models with robust data pipelines to maintain accuracy and connect research findings directly to pricing strategies and contract terms. Dr. Atzberger brings over thirty years of experience in leading scientific research, having co-developed TESSERA, a data model that converts satellite imagery into AI-ready representations of land surface conditions. This technology allows for detailed monitoring of land changes globally, providing insurers with clearer insights into climate risk and offering vital data for researchers, farmers, and various restoration initiatives.
The establishment of this Innovation Unit and the appointment of Dr. Atzberger reflect Arbol's commitment to pioneering data-driven solutions in the insurance sector. By continuously refining their models and leveraging advanced data, Arbol is positioned to cover a wider array of risks with greater precision, transforming previously uninsurable scenarios into opportunities for comprehensive protection and fostering resilience against environmental challenges.
