Santander X Global Challenge Cyber Protect the Future: Calling Security Innovators

Rapid digital transformation is changing the world, requiring intertwined digital tools and platforms to support new business opportunities and meet complex needs. Interconnected businesses, economies and software supply chains also give rise to new organizational risks, while threat actors become more effective using AI and automation to hone their nefarious craft. The results can be devastating on individuals, companies and governments. It’s estimated that cyberattacks will cost $10.5 trillion globally by 2025. It’s clear that cybersecurity knows no borders.  

In 2022, Forgepoint Capital was proud to announce our partnership with Banco Santander to advance global cybersecurity innovation. We’re excited to continue our collaboration by joining Banco Santander in the Santander X Global Challenge: Cyber Protect the Future, a competition to identify and support innovative cybersecurity startups and scaleups around the world. This is the latest in eight global competitions Santander has held to date, attracting over 4500 startups across sectors including AI, blockchain, stainability, climate change, inclusive finance, and food for the future. Open to any cybersecurity domain, Cyber Protect the Future offers the chance to run a pilot of the winning solution with Santander- in addition to financial rewards and membership in Santander X 100, the network of the most outstanding startups to participate across competitions.  

As consumers and businesses in emerging markets adopt new technologies, communities access opportunities for economic growth. However, a proliferation of users, personal and company data, and digital connections also creates heightened security risks. Gobal innovation is required to protect these communities.  

Companies in emerging markets are increasingly identifying important security issues and creating innovative solutions. Many of our portfolio companies- including BehavioSec (acquired by LexisNexis Risk Solutions/RELX) (Sweden), Cinchy (Canada), Constella (Spain), Lumu (Colombia), ReversingLabs (Croatia), and SecureCodeWarrior (Australia)- were founded in and operate outside of traditional markets. These and others have extended teams in Canada, India, Israel, Mexico, Europe, and Latin America. We firmly believe that finding and backing the best technology and teams globally is key to enabling secure innovation and growth.  

Investing in global startups outside the usual hubs opens new markets while addressing the current talent shortage in the cybersecurity industry. These companies can tap into previously underutilized talent pools, bringing new perspectives and insights to solve complex issues while cultivating a stronger ecosystem of experienced practitioners around the world.  

We are excited to continue working with Santander to advance cybersecurity innovation and investment globally. We look forward to meeting the winners of the Santander X Global Challenge and learning about their solutions as they tackle critical problems and unlock massive opportunities that transcend borders.  

Eligible companies can apply to the Santander X Global Challenge here.  

Applications close September 28, 2023.  

Fine print: 

Qualifying applicants must present a disruptive ad innovative solution with the capability to scale (incremental, breakthrough, or transformational) and 

• Must be legally incorporated in one of the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, USA and the UK. Applicants may apply if headquartered outside this footprint, however they will need to be able to demonstrate they are actively commercializing a product and/or service within it. 
• While Cyber Protect the Future is open to any security domain, Santander’s security leadership has identified these areas of particular interest: identity and privileged access management, automatic pen-testing, control testing and holistic GRC, cloud security, backup protection and recovery, data management and advanced threat detection.