Deadline: June 30, 2026
Applications are open for the Santander X Global Challenge – The Quantum AI Leap 2026. This is 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.
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 they 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 they 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 they 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.
Benefits
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.
Eligibility
Open to startups and scaleups with innovative solutions supporting quantum computing.
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.
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.
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.
Application
For more information, visit Santander X Global Challenge – The Quantum AI Leap.
