Banco Santander, in partnership with Norrsken and Oxentia Foundation, launches the Santander X Global Challenge | Circular Economy Revolution, a global initiative aimed at identifying and supporting startups and scaleups from 11 countries that develop innovative solutions to reduce waste, optimize resources, and lead the transition to a circular economy. The challenge winners will receive a total of €120,000 in prizes, distributed as follows: 3 startups will receive €10,000 each and 3 scaleups will receive €30,000 each.
In addition to cash prizes, the winners will have access to a range of exclusive benefits, including membership in the Global Santander X 100 community, which offers networking, visibility, and mentorship; international support with training, development, and internationalization of solutions; connection with Fintech Station, providing access to Banco Santander’s open innovation team to explore collaboration opportunities; and a one-year membership at Norrsken Barcelona, with access to its activities and co-working space for up to two co-founders.
Interested companies can apply until 05/07/2025 through the Santander X platform, created to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurial projects by offering mentorship, online courses, awards, and global challenges that accelerate business growth. Over 12 program editions, 5 Brazilian companies have emerged as winners, receiving over R$700,000 in distributed prizes and access to the Santander X 100 community, which provides networking opportunities, mentorship, access to new markets, and support in developing innovative solutions, accelerating participant growth and expanding their global impact.
“Brazilian companies have already showcased their solutions to a universe of entrepreneurs and possibilities, expanding their global growth opportunities. Through Santander X, the Bank reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting startups and scaleups seeking to revolutionize the market,” says Marcio Giannico, Senior Head of Governments, Institutions, and Universities at Santander Brasil.
In the previous edition, during the Digital Enterprise Show 2024 (DES) event in Malaga, the awards ceremony for the Santander X Global Challenge | Education, Employability and Entrepreneurship took place. Brazilian companies Jade Autism, a startup developing inclusive software to support children and adolescents with ASD and other neurodiversities, and Key2Enable Assistive Technology, a scaleup facilitating communication and digital accessibility for people with disabilities through innovative technological products, were awarded and recognized for their innovative solutions.
