Santander X Global Challenge – The Quantum AI Leap 2026 (€120,000 in prizes) – YOA

Deadline: June 30, 2026

Applications are open for the Santander X Global Challenge – The Quantum AI Leap 2026. This is a worldwide problem for startups and scaleups from 10 nations (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, USA and Uruguay) with modern options which are serving to to reshape sectors reminiscent of finance, power, supplies, healthcare and cybersecurity via their quantum capabilities.

The options of the candidate corporations ought to give attention to one of many three key areas:

• Quantum {hardware}, sensors & AI-assisted Technologies: Core applied sciences that make the event and scaling of quantum methods doable. Includes superior {hardware} in addition to AI to reinforce efficiency and stability. Among the forms of options they’re in search of are management and measurement electronics, photonic methods, cryogenics, superior supplies and nanofabrication, in addition to AI functions for optimization, calibration, and noise discount in quantum methods.
• Quantum software program, instruments & AI-driven Applied Intelligence: Solutions combining quantum computing and synthetic intelligence to unravel actual-world issues. Focused on software program, algorithms, and functions with near- and mid-time period affect. Among the forms of options they’re in search of are quantum improvement platforms, hybrid algorithms (quantum + AI), simulation instruments, and functions in optimization, determination-making, and simulation throughout sectors reminiscent of finance, power, and logistics.
• Digital infrastructure secured in opposition to quantum computing: Technologies that defend digital methods in opposition to future quantum threats. Focused on making certain lengthy-time period safety, privateness, and belief. Among the forms of options they’re in search of are submit-quantum cryptography, safe communications (QKD, QRNG), digital identification options, certificates administration, and instruments that allow the transition to quantum-resilient infrastructures.

Benefits

There will likely be six successful tasks, which is able to obtain the next rewards and advantages.

• €120,000 for the winners: 3 begin-ups: €10,000 every / 3 scale-ups: €30,000 every
• Access to Santander X 100: The Santander X group presents essentially the most excellent begin-ups and scale-ups networking and entry to the sources they should develop.
• Connection to Fintech Station: The successful begin-ups and scale-ups could have entry to Banco Santander’s open innovation crew to discover alternatives for collaboration.
• Quantum Acceleration: Up to 10.000 euros for specialised companies from Bluzec. Includes professional assist, quantum coaching delivered by worldwide consultants and entry to a collaboration and funding community.
• Connections with IBM: Mentoring and connections to related Business Units, Open Innovation groups or different enterprises for potential collaboration. IBM will even provide a non-binding AI professional session session with IBM Build.

Eligibility

Open to startups and scaleups with modern options supporting quantum computing.

Startups: Must be legally included in one of many following nations: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, USA, and the UK.

Meet not less than one of many following standards:

• Currently advertising a product/service that doesn’t exceed annual gross sales income of $300k.
• Have raised capital of as much as $5m.
• Have as much as 5 full time staff.

Scaleups: Must be legally included for not less than 2 years in one of many following nations: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, USA, and the UK.

Meet not less than one of many following standards:

• Currently advertising a product/service with over $300k annual gross sales.
• Have raised over $5m.
• Have over 5 full time staff.

All functions have to be:

• Innovative: the answer features a possible and credible new expertise, new expertise application, new enterprise mannequin, or a brand new course of. The maturity of the expertise is referenced together with any patents or IP technique related to the answer.
• Technology based mostly: targeted on the event and/or manufacturing that makes use of forefront scientific or technological data systematically to provide new items or companies to the market.

Application

Click here to apply

For extra info, go to Santander X Global Challenge – The Quantum AI Leap.