Santander X Global Challenge | The Quantum AI Leap is a global challenge aimed at startups and scaleups from 10 countries, in collaboration with IBM, Bluzec and Oxentia Foundation.
The six winning companies will receive €120,000 in prizes, access to the exclusive global Santander X 100 community, with plans to offer strategic mentoring from IBM experts, and up to €10,000 in specialised services from Bluzec.
Madrid, 11 May 2026.
Banco Santander has launched Santander X Global Challenge | The Quantum AI Leap, a new global challenge developed in collaboration with IBM, Bluzec and Oxentia Foundation. It is aimed at startups and scaleups from 10 countries (Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the United States, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Uruguay) that develop innovative solutions based on quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
The aim is to identify disruptive projects that harness the potential of these technologies to transform key sectors and generate new opportunities in areas such as finance, energy, healthcare, logistics and cybersecurity, through computing, optimisation of complex systems, and the strengthening of digital security.
Interested startups and scaleups may submit their solutions in three different application areas:
- Technologies that enable the development and scaling of quantum systems, including advanced hardware and the use of AI to enhance performance and stability.
- Solutions that combine quantum computing and AI to solve real-world problems, focused on the development of software, algorithms and applications with short- and medium-term impact.
- Technologies that protect digital systems against the risk posed by future, cryptographically relevant quantum computing, focusing on ensuring long-term security, privacy and trust.
Interested companies may submit their applications until 30 June via the Santander X platform.
According to Jaime Gómez, Global Head of the Quantum Threat Program at Banco Santander, “quantum computing is increasingly close to generating a real impact on society and combined with AI, opens up new opportunities to solve complex challenges across multiple sectors. At Santander, we believe in the key role of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving this change, and that is why we promote initiatives such as this global challenge, through which we aim to support solutions that will shape the future of industry and digital security.”
Emily Fontaine, Global Head of Venture Capital at IBM said, “As quantum and AI technologies continue advancing at a rapid pace, this challenge provides an important platform to support the innovators driving that progress. At IBM, we’re deeply committed to building a strong global quantum ecosystem and delivering quantum computing that’s truly useful and scalable for industry. Through IBM Ventures, we’re excited to partner with Santander on this effort and help accelerate the next wave of breakthrough companies shaping the future of quantum and AI.”
Bluzec explains that “the evolution of AI confirms that emerging technologies can become real drivers of transformation in a very short time. Quantum computing represents the next major leap, with the potential to generate capabilities that are not yet fully foreseeable. The integration of both will mark a new stage in technological innovation. At Bluzec, we support startups and large companies throughout this process, connecting technology with market needs and accelerating adoption through growth, investment and strategic collaboration.”
An expert jury will select six winning projects, which will receive €120,000 in prizes: €30,000 for the three winning startups (€10,000 each) and €90,000 for the three best scaleups (€30,000 each). They will gain access to Santander X 100, the exclusive global community of the most outstanding Santander X companies, and will be able to connect with Fintech Station, the bank’s Open Innovation area.
They may also be able to further develop their projects with planned support from IBM, gaining access to AI sessions, quantum innovation teams, and the opportunity to pitch IBM Ventures and its community of investors.
Bluzec will provide up to €10,000 in specialised services, including expert support, quantum training delivered by international specialists, and access to a collaboration and investment network.
Supporting education, employability and entrepreneurship
Banco Santander has been a pioneering stalwart of education, employability and entrepreneurship for 30 years, standing out among the world's financial institutions. It has invested 2.5 billion euros in these areas in partnership with over 1,000 prestigious international universities and entities in 13 countries, helping more than 8.3 million people and businesses along the way. Santander also featured in Fortune magazine’s 2025 “Change the World” list as one of the biggest contributors to making the world a better place (www.santander.com/universidades).
IBM
IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider, helping clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. For more information, visit https://research.ibm.com.
Bluzec
Bluzec is a technology and advisory company focused on accelerating the practical adoption of quantum computing combined with artificial intelligence for businesses. By combining strategic vision with deep expertise in quantum technologies, Bluzec helps organisations understand emerging use cases, prepare their digital and security infrastructure, and translate quantum innovation into measurable commercial value.
Oxentia Foundation and its commitment to global innovation and entrepreneurship
Oxentia Foundation was established to advance Oxentia’s founding mission: addressing global inequalities through innovation and entrepreneurship activities. Oxentia has organised international entrepreneurship competitions and awards and provides advisory support to entrepreneurs to promote the commercialisation of science- and technology-based projects with an impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Oxentia originated from the University of Oxford’s technology transfer company, Oxford University Innovation, with the aim of delivering specialised innovation management services to public and private sector clients worldwide. Its approach is grounded in a strong Oxford heritage, based on more than 30 years of experience supporting academic innovation and entrepreneurship in over 70 countries.