Deadline:
June 30, 2026
Location(s)
Argentina Brazil Chile Germany Mexico Portugal Spain United Kingdom United States of America Uruguay
Overview
Details
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!
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Dates
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
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.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
