Banco Santander, in partnership with Norrsken and the Oxentia Foundation, is launching the Santander X Global Challenge | Circular Economy Revolution, a global initiative that aims to identify and support startups and scaleups from 11 countries that are developing 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 cash prizes, winners will have access to a range of exclusive benefits, including access to the Global Santander X 100 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 one-year membership at Norrsken Barcelona, with access to its activities and co-working space for up to two co-founders.
Interested companies can register until May 7, 2025, through the Santander X platform, created to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurial projects, offering mentoring, online courses, awards, and global challenges that accelerate business growth. During 12 editions of the program, 5 Brazilian companies emerged victorious, receiving over R$ 700,000 in prizes and access to the Santander X 100 community, which offers networking opportunities, mentoring, 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 last edition, during the Digital Enterprise Show 2024 (DES) event in Malaga, the Santander X Global Challenge | Education, Employability and Entrepreneurship awards ceremony took place. The Brazilian companies 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.
