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Celebrating Innovation in Sustainability: The MWCapital Awards 2025

On April 10, 2025, Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), in partnership with B Lab Spain and GSMA Foundry, announced the 17 finalist projects for the first-ever MWCapital Awards. This new award program celebrates technological solutions that facilitate a shift towards a more sustainable future. The finalists will gather on June 12, 2025, in Barcelona to discover the winners at an event focused on recognizing innovation aligned with the United Nations' Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The call for entries, which concluded in March, attracted an impressive pool of 157 candidates from 34 different countries. This turnout illustrates a strong global interest in technology solutions that make a real impact on environmental and social challenges. The finalists come from 11 countries, showcasing a diverse mix of startups, corporations, public institutions, non-profits, and academic research organizations.

A Glimpse into the Finalists

The innovative projects presented by these finalists address a wide array of issues, from improving energy sustainability to combating disinformation. Each project demonstrates a commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data, nanotechnology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Some notable projects include:

• - AI for Selective Fishing (Spain): Developed by Satlink, this AI-powered device encourages sustainable fishing by distinguishing different species of tuna caught in fish aggregation devices. (SDG 14 - Life Below Water)
• - BraiN20® (Spain): This real-time brain monitoring device from Time is Brain S.L. revolutionizes stroke treatment with continuous functional data. (SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being)
• - Smart City Initiative (Finland): Tampere's smart city initiative integrates AI and digital twins to enhance urban sustainability and citizen engagement. (SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• - Fire Management Software (Brazil): The AI-based software, developed by Pantera, focuses on preventing, detecting, and analyzing wildfires, ultimately aiming to reduce CO2 emissions. (SDG 13 - Climate Action)
• - Digital Wallet for Portugal (Portugal): A national app simplifying access to public services by digitizing official documents. (SDG 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

The jury selection process for the MWCapital Awards will involve a diverse panel of international experts in sustainability, technology, and social innovation evaluating the projects based on innovation, scalability, and potential societal impact. The committee is comprised of the likes of John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd, and Irene Kaggwa, Director-General of the Uganda Communications Commission, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each project.

The Awards Ceremony

The MWCapital Awards will culminate in an exciting ceremony on June 12, 2025, at Torre Glòries, Barcelona. During this event, the six winners will be celebrated for their innovative approaches and contributions to positive societal change through technology. Winners will gain the opportunity to present their solutions at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, thus elevating their global visibility and opening doors for strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.

The Barcelona Horizon Award will also be given to highlight the local impact of one particular project that shows promise for practical implementation in the city. Through this initiative, MWCapital seeks to inspire a global movement focused on responsible innovation, reinforcing Barcelona's status as a hub for impactful technology.

About MWCapital

Mobile World Capital Barcelona is a public-private foundation dedicated to promoting digital development in society, aiming to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future through the humanistic use of technology. By supporting innovative projects and nurturing digital talent, MWCapital seeks to position Barcelona as a leading reference in the global digital arena, reinforcing the legacy of the Mobile World Congress throughout the year.

Stay tuned for updates as we count down to the MWCapital Awards ceremony, where creativity and innovation lead the way toward a better tomorrow.