Global Challenge Santander X offers € 120 thousand for startups and scaleups to develop solutions based on the circular economy

Banco Santander, 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 winners of the challenge 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, winners will have access to a number of exclusive benefits, including access to the Santander X 100 Global community, which offers networking, visibility and mentoring; 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 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 until 07/05/2025 through the Santander X platform, created to support small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), startups, scaleups and entrepreneurial projects, offering mentoring, online courses, awards and global challenges that accelerate the growth of companies. During 12 program editions, 5 Brazilian companies emerged winners and led and more than R$ 700 thousand in distributed awards and access to the Santander X 100 community, which offers networking opportunities, mentoring, access to new markets and support in the development of innovative solutions, accelerating the growth of participating companies and expanding their global impact.

“Brazilian companies have already exposed their solutions to a universe of entrepreneurs and possibilities, expanding their global growth opportunities.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 of Santander Brazil.

Last edition, during the Digital Enterprise Show 2024 (DES) event in Malaga, the Santander X Global Challenge | Education, Employability and Entrepreneurship was awarded. The Brazilian Jade Autism, a startup that develops inclusive software to support children and adolescents with ASD and other neurodiversities, and Key2Enable Assistive Technology, a scaleup that facilitates communication and digital accessibility for people with disabilities through innovative technological products, were awarded and recognized for their innovative solutions.