Applications are currently being accepted for the Santander X Global Challenge - The Quantum AI Leap 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Santander X Global Challenge - The Quantum AI Leap
The a global challenge for startups and scaleups from 10 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, USA and Uruguay) with innovative solutions that are helping to reshape sectors such as finance, energy, materials, healthcare and cybersecurity through their quantum capabilities.
Benefits of Santander X Global Challenge - The Quantum AI Leap
There will be six winning projects, which will receive the following rewards and benefits.
- €120,000 for the winners: 3 start-ups: €10,000 each / 3 scale-ups: €30,000 each
- Access to Santander X 100: The Santander X community offers the most outstanding start-ups and scale-ups networking and access to the resources they need to grow.
- Connection to Fintech Station: The winning start-ups and scale-ups will have access to Banco Santander's open innovation team to explore opportunities for collaboration.
- 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.
- Connections with IBM: Mentoring and connections to relevant Business Units, Open Innovation teams or other enterprises for potential collaboration. IBM will also offer a non-binding AI expert consultation session with IBM Build.
Santander X Global Challenge - The Quantum AI Leap Requirements
All applications must be;
- Innovative: the solution includes a feasible and credible new technology, new technology application, new business model, or a new process. The maturity of the technology is referenced along with any patents or IP strategy associated with the solution.
- Technology based: focused on the development and/or manufacturing that uses leading edge scientific or technological knowledge systematically to produce new goods or services to the market.
1. Startups
Must be legally incorporated in one of the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, USA, and the UK.
Meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Currently marketing a product/service that does not exceed annual sales revenue of $300k.
- Have raised capital of up to $5m.
- Have up to 5 full time employees.
2. Scaleups
Must be legally incorporated for at least 2 years in one of the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, USA, and the UK.
Meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Currently marketing a product/service with over $300k annual sales.
- Have raised over $5m.
- Have over 5 full time employees.
Exceptions:
- If the company meets the scaleup criteria, but has less than two years since their legal incorporation then it will be considered a startup.
- If the company has already won a previous Santander X Global Challenge (on the same category they are applying for), they won't be considered eligible.
- If the company is legally incorporated in any other countries but has a strong and demonstrable business presence in one of the challenge countries, it will be considered eligible
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
30 June, 2026
Opportunity Application
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Santander X Global Challenge - The Quantum AI Leap
Apply for Santander X Global Challenge - The Quantum AI Leap
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