Celebrating Innovative Technology: MWCapital Awards Honor Sustainable Projects Worldwide

MWCapital Awards Highlight Global Tech for Sustainability



On June 14, 2025, the inaugural MWCapital Awards were held, celebrating international technology projects that significantly contribute to sustainability. Organized by Mobile World Capital Barcelona in partnership with B Lab Spain, GSMA Foundry, the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA), and Red.es, the event received an impressive 157 nominations from 34 countries.

The awards recognize pioneering initiatives that utilize advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analysis, and smart sensors to tackle major social and environmental challenges of the 21st century. The winning projects came from six different countries and presented innovative solutions targeting issues like health, urban sustainability, and resource management. These initiatives will have the unique opportunity to showcase their solutions at the upcoming MWC26 in Barcelona, further enhancing their visibility and fostering strategic collaborations.

One standout initiative, "Embrace the Forest," hailing from Brazil, was awarded the esteemed Barcelona Horizon Award, which includes a grant of up to 50,000 euros. This project focuses on combating forest fires through a sophisticated system that employs AI to prevent and detect fires while analyzing their impacts to mitigate CO₂ emissions. Currently, the technology monitors over 17.5 million hectares, demonstrating effectiveness in critical areas such as tiger reserves and natural parks.

The Award ceremony took place at the iconic Mirador Torre Glòries, where representatives from 17 finalist projects celebrated their achievements alongside members of the tech community, social entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from public and private institutions dedicated to purpose-driven innovation. A panel of judges comprised of experts from organizations like GSMA, B Lab Spain, MIT, AMETIC, and the International Telecommunication Union evaluated the entries based on various criteria, including innovation, scalability, and real-world social impact.

Winners and Projects



The winners of the MWCapital Awards were selected across five categories, showcasing a wide diversity of meaningful projects:

  • - Technology with Purpose (Spain): Samsung Electronics Iberia has developed over 30 AI-driven accessibility projects benefiting more than half a million people. Notable initiatives include TALLK, facilitating communication for ALS patients; UNFEAR, creating a more soothing environment for individuals with autism by eliminating distracting sounds; and IMPulse, which transforms verbal language into rhythmic vibrations through a smartwatch interface, providing silent assistance.

  • - Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups (Colombia): The AI-powered wearable device Julieta by Salva Health enables non-radiative early detection of diseases like breast cancer, enhancing healthcare in underserved regions. In trials involving 2,300 patients, it demonstrated an accuracy of 82% and a sensitivity of 81% for detecting anomalies, underscoring its potential in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

  • - Research Centers (Australia): The SIMPaCT initiative from Western Sydney University implements an IoT-based smart irrigation system to enhance urban cooling and water efficiency. By utilizing a real-time adjusting model based on environmental conditions, it has achieved water consumption reductions of up to 70% compared to traditional methods, providing a scalable solution for climate resilience in cities.

  • - Nonprofit Category (Mauritania): Nut4Health, managed by SIC4Change, addresses child malnutrition and enhances maternal and child health in vulnerable communities through advanced technologies. Having assisted over 1,200 families in Assaba, it presents a sustainable, scalable model using blockchain, machine learning, and smart contracts for fund management and encouraging timely diagnoses with performance-based payments.

  • - Public Institutions (Finland): The data-driven city initiative of Tampere enhances sustainability and citizen engagement using AI and digital twins. Accessible via mobile platforms, Tampere Pulse offers insights on visitor flow in the city center through real-time data and predictive algorithms, aiding resource optimization for residents, businesses, and local authorities.

Future Prospects and Reflections



Each of these projects will be showcased at the next edition of the MWC Barcelona, granting them crucial international exposure. Francesc Fajula, CEO of Mobile World Capital Barcelona, emphasized the need for technological advancement to encompass economic, social, and ecological factors, asserting that technology is our greatest ally in forging a more sustainable and equitable society.

John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the MWCapital Awards exemplify that ethically and inclusively utilized technology can accelerate progress towards achieving urgent global goals. He expressed pride in fostering innovations that strategically propel digital transformation while positively impacting health care, urban resilience, and climate change initiatives.

Moreover, Jesús Herrero, general director of Red.es, pointed out the awards' importance in spotlighting leading international projects that apply new technologies towards a more sustainable and inclusive world.

In conclusion, the MWCapital Awards not only recognize innovative technology solutions but also inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs committed to improving lives and our planet. With its commitment to sustainable development, the award aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda, fostering efforts to tackle pressing global challenges through technological excellence and social responsibility.

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