The Santander Bank, in partnership with Norrsken and the 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 the cash prizes, the winners will have access to a range of exclusive benefits, including access to the Global Santander X 100 community, offering networking, visibility, and mentoring; international support, with training, development, and internationalization of solutions; connection to the Fintech Station, providing access to Santander Bank’s open innovation team to explore collaboration opportunities; and one year of membership at Norrsken Barcelona, with access to its activities and co-working space for up to two co-founders.
Interested companies can apply by 05/07/2025 through the Santander X platform, created to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurial projects, offering mentorship, online courses, awards, and global challenges that accelerate the growth of companies. Over 12 program editions, 5 Brazilian companies emerged as winners and received over R$700,000 in distributed prizes and access to the Santander X 100 community, providing networking opportunities, mentorship, access to new markets, and support in developing innovative solutions, accelerating the growth of participating companies and expanding their global impact.
“Brazilian companies have already showcased their solutions to a universe of entrepreneurs and possibilities, expanding their opportunities for global growth. Through Santander X, the Bank maintains its commitment to continue supporting startups and scaleups that seek to revolutionize the market,” says Marcio Giannico, senior head of Governments, Institutions, and Universities at Santander Brazil.
In the previous edition, during the Digital Enterprise Show 2024 (DES) event in Malaga, the Santander X Global Challenge | Education, Employability, and Entrepreneurship award ceremony took place. The Brazilian companies Jade Autism, a startup that develops inclusive software to support children and teenagers with ASD and other neurodiversities, and Key2Enable Assistive Technology, a scaleup that enhances communication and digital accessibility for people with disabilities through innovative technological products, were awarded and recognized for their innovative solutions.
