#Spain #Barcelona #SpaceX #Starlink #MWC26

Countdown to MWC26 in Barcelona

The MWC26 event, the world's largest and most influential festival focusing on connectivity, is now open for registrations. Scheduled to take place at the iconic Fira de Barcelona on the Gran Via from March 2 to 5, 2026, MWC26 marks a significant milestone celebrating 20 years of impactful moments and partnerships in the industry in Barcelona. As this event unfolds, it will bring together leading figures, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the technologies shaping digital transformation in various sectors.

Under the theme "The IQ Era," MWC26 ushers in a new age defined by intelligent connectivity. This event follows two decades of outstanding intellectual leadership from industry giants taking the stage at MWC.

Notable speakers include Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, and Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Engineering at Starlink. They will join a host of distinguished speakers, being unveiled on the event's website leading up to the event.

Other prominent figures to feature include:

• - Gopal Vittal, Vice President and MD of Bharti Airtel Group and GSMA Chair
• - Andrew Feinberg, President and CEO of BostonGene, and CEO and Chairman of NetCracker
• - Christel Heydemann, CEO of the Orange Group
• - Mickey Mikitani, CEO of Rakuten
• - Kaan Terzioğlu, CEO of VEON
• - Technology analyst Benedict Evans.

The agenda for MWC26 is structured around six primary themes: Intelligent Infrastructure, ConnectAI, AI 4 Enterprise, AI Nexus, Tech4All, and Game Changers. Each theme will explore how collective intelligence and connectivity can drive social and technological progress.

This year's exhibitors and sponsors include major names such as Accenture, Amazon Web Services, AT&T, China Mobile, and many more. Other notable mentions include Google, Microsoft, Samsung, and Xiaomi.

Vivek Badrinath, CEO of GSMA, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, "For two decades, MWC Barcelona has been the gathering place for everyone, from founders to presidents, to harness the strength of connections and do business. The 2026 edition marks the dawn of a new era of intelligence, focusing on advancements in connectivity, human-driven technological innovation, business development, and societal progress."

Among the expected highlights are the GSMA Ministerial Programme, 4YFN26, the GLOMOs, the Talent Arena, and BEAT BARCELONA, complemented by new immersive experiences.

Key Features

• - New Frontiers: Showcasing groundbreaking technologies such as quantum computing, physical AI, and satellite and non-terrestrial networks, along with live demos from innovators like Aalyria and Toshiba Quantum.
• - Airport of the Future: An immersive exhibition demonstrating how connected technologies are transforming aviation and air transport, featuring interactive displays from partners like Airbus.
• - CircuitX: A collaboration between GSMA Foundry, Mobile World Capital Barcelona, and Fira de Barcelona, presenting cutting-edge advancements in smart mobility and immersive fan experiences.

Returning for its 11th year, 4YFN presents the theme "Infinite AI," celebrating the limitless potential of creativity from both humans and machines, alongside awards and a robust partnership program led by Amazon Web Services.

Partner programs at MWC will include sessions with Alibaba Cloud, FC Barcelona's Barça Innovation Hub, Huawei, Samsung, and new partners for 2026 such as MediaTek and ViaSat.

Members of the media are invited to request a free press card to gain access to this unparalleled gathering of industry leaders and innovators.

For more details and to read the full press release, visit our website.