Santander X Global Challenge | The Quantum AI Leap

A global challenge for startups and scaleups who are leading the transformation of key sectors through quantum computing and artifical intelligence. 

Apply now
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10 countries

Argentina, Germany, Brazil, Chile, USA, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, UK and Uruguay.

2 categories

For companies with solutions in quantum computing and AI with real impact on industry and society.

6 winners

120,000 euros in cash, access to the global Santander X 100 community and other benefits.

Banco Santander, IBM, Bluzec and Oxentia Foundation are launching the Santander X Global Challenge | The Quantum AI Leap, a global challenge aimed at startups and scaleups that are transforming key industries through quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

 

With the support of global leaders in hardware, software and enterprise adoption, this initiative seeks to accelerate a new wave of innovation capable of redefining sectors such as finance, energy, new materials, healthcare and cybersecurity.

In a context where technological complexity and global challenges are accelerating, quantum computing and artificial intelligence are shaping a new era of innovation.

We are looking for startups and scaleups leading this transformation, developing solutions with the potential to redefine computing, optimise complex systems and strengthen digital security.

If you are building technology capable of changing how we solve the world’s greatest challenges, this is your moment to scale your impact globally by joining this initiative.

Applications are open until 30 June.

Apply now

Find out which companies we are looking for

Quantum hardware, sensors & enabling systems

Core technologies that make the development and scaling of quantum systems possible. Includes advanced hardware as well as AI to enhance performance and stability.

Among the types of solutions we are looking for are

  • Control and measurement electronics
  • Photonic systems
  • Cryogenics
  • Advanced materials and nanofabrication
  • AI applications for optimization, calibration, and noise reduction in quantum systems.

Quantum software & AI-driven intelligence

Solutions combining quantum computing and artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems. Focused on software, algorithms, and applications with near- and mid-term impact. 

Among the types of solutions we are looking for are

  • Quantum development platforms
  • Hybrid algorithms (quantum + AI)
  • Simulation tools
  • Applications in optimization, decision-making, and simulation across sectors such as finance, energy, and logistics.

Digital infrastructure secured against quantum computing

Technologies that protect digital systems against future quantum threats. Focused on ensuring long-term security, privacy, and trust.

Among the types of solutions we are looking for are

  • Post-quantum cryptography
  • Secure communications (QKD, QRNG)
  • Digital identity solutions, certificate management, and tools that enable the transition to quantum-resilient infrastructures.

Prizes

The winners will receive prizes and benefits allowing them to continue developing their solutions. 

Cash prize

120.000 euros for the winners.
The 3 startups will receive 10.000 euros each and the 3 scaleups will be awarded 30.000 euros each. 

 

 

Santander X 100

Access to Santander X's global community.
Connect with investors, companies and entrepreneurs, develop business opportunities and gain international exposure. 

 

 

Connections with IBM

Promote your company with strategic mentoring and expert support. 
Access artificial intelligence support, innovation teams and a global network of corporates, investors and other institutions. 

 

 

Quantum acceleration

Up to 10.000 euros for specialised services from Bluzec.
Includes expert support, quantum training delivered by international experts and access to a collaboration and investment network.

 

 

Key dates

From
28
Apr
2026
To
30
Jun
2026
Applications open

Apply via Santander X.

04
Sep
2026
Finalist announcement

Announcement of the 10 startup and 10 scaleup finalists.

From
14
Sep
2026
To
15
Sep
2026
Pitch Days

Present your company to a panel of international judges.

From
20
Oct
2026
To
22
Oct
2026
Awards Ceremony

Celebrate your achievement at the Awards Ceremony!

Categories

Technology-based start-ups and scale-ups with innovative solutions to improve the user experience.

 

Startups

Must be legally constituted in one of the participating countries and fulfil at least one of the following criteria:

  • Annual income not exceeding $300,000
  • Capital raised up to $5 million
  • or up to 5 full-time employees

 

Scaleups

Be legally constituted for at least two years in one of the participating countries and fulfil at least one of the following criteria:

  • Annual income greater than $300,000
  • Capital raised greater than $5 million
  • or more than 5 full-time employees

Called by

 

Banco Santander

At Banco Santander we have been supporting education, employability and entrepreneurship for more than 27 years. This unique and global initiative sets us apart from other financial institutions around the world.

To date, Santander has invested more than 2.5 billion euros and supported more than 8.3 million people and companies through collaboration agreements with more than 1.000 universities and institutions in 13 countries.

 

IBM Quantum

IBM’s mission is to make quantum computing useful and in service of the world, offering a suite of tools and services, as well as the largest fleet of quantum computers available in the cloud. Hundreds of thousands of users and more than 300 partners already access these systems to explore, experiment and build quantum solutions.

Through continuous innovation and collaboration with the ecosystem, IBM is not only advancing computing but also redefining what is possible.

 

Bluzec

Bluzec is a technology and advisory company focused on accelerating the practical adoption of quantum computing for businesses.

Combining strategic vision with deep expertise in quantum technologies, Bluzec helps organisations understand emerging use cases, prepare their digital and security infrastructure, and translate quantum innovation into measurable business value.

 

Oxentia Foundation

Oxentia emerged from the University of Oxford's technology transfer company, Oxford University Innovation, with the aim of providing specialised innovation management services to clients in the public and private sectors around the world.

Our approach is based on Oxford's strong tradition of providing global support to innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs to promote innovative projects that have an impact on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

We answer your questions

Startups and scaleups that can sign up for this challenge can work in any of these four areas of activity and in areas such as:

 

  • Recycling, recovery and reuse of materials and waste: We are looking for advanced recycling technologies; AI solutions that optimise the recycling or reuse of valuable materials and minerals or industrial waste; innovations in wastewater treatment; more efficient desalination systems; or technologies for reusing plastic waste, which help to preserve our oceans.
  • New materials, and circular products and services: Companies working on the development of biomaterials; biodegradable packaging made from algae; reusable modular design models; the development of bioplastics from food waste; or zero-waste textiles, among others.
  • Circular business models and monetisation: Innovations in new models of consumption of products as a service or by subscription; second-hand or resale markets or platforms; or pay-per-use models for durable goods.
  • Renewable energy and smart grids: Innovative solutions in renewable energy sources; smart and decentralised electricity grids that optimise and make consumption more efficient; advanced energy storage solutions or waste-to-energy technologies that make it possible to use waste to generate energy.

Candidate companies must be incorporated in one of the countries participating in the programme (Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the USA, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Uruguay).

If you are a startup, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Annual revenue not exceeding 300,000 dollars
  • Funding raised up to 5 million dollars
  • Or up to 5 full-time employees

If you are a scaleup, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Annual revenue exceeding 300,000 dollars
  • Funding raised above 5 million dollars
  • Or more than 5 full-time employees

Yes, you need to be registered in order to sign up for the challenge.

To register, click on the ‘I want to register’ button and you will be registered in Santander X. Remember to complete the registration between 17/3 and 9/5. Send your application by filling in the requested fields about your company.

You can apply without any problem, and it will be the group of experts who evaluate the applications who will decide whether or not your application applies to the theme of the challenge.

If your company is selected as one of the finalists, the Global Challenge organising team will contact you to invite you to participate in the online semi-final, which will be run as a ‘pitch session’.

In this session, you will present your company to a group of experts, who will then validate and decide on the winners of the challenge. 

You will have to prepare and give your pitch presentation in English. 

When receiving a monetary prize, we request that it is deposited in a Banco Santander account. If you do not have an account, we will help you to open one as efficiently as possible.