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Santander X Global Challenge | The Quantum AI Leap

Oxentia Foundation

Open entrepreneurship competition for startups and scaleups with innovative solutions supporting quantum computing.

  • Aimed at: Startups/Scaleups
  • Located in:
    • Argentina
    • Chile
    • Brazil
    • Germany
    • Mexico
    • Read more

  • 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

  • General information

    Banco Santander, IBM Quantum, Bluzec and the Oxentia Foundation are launching the Santander X Global Challenge | The Quantum AI Leap, 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.

    Applications will remain open until 30 June at Santander X.

    The solutions of the candidate companies should focus on one of the three key areas:

    • Quantum hardware, sensors & AI-assisted Technologies: 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, as well as AI applications for optimization, calibration, and noise reduction in quantum systems.

    • Quantum software, tools & AI-driven Applied 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, and 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.

    If you have a solution that fits in any of these verticals, apply today!

  • Reward

    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.

  • Call guidelines

  • Links and documents

  • Collaborators

    Cooperator/s

Call stages

1. Application form
from Apr 28, 26 to Jul 7, 26
2. Validation
from Jul 10, 26 to Aug 4, 26
3. Selection of Winners
from Sep 10, 26 to Sep 25, 26

Welcome to the final round of the Santander X Global Challenge! Please make sure to upload your pitch video.

Open stage
from Sep 10, 26 to Sep 25, 26 - 7:59 AM (GMT+00:00)
Selection process
the Sep 26, 26
Applications closed
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