Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), in partnership with GSMA Foundry, B Lab Spain, the State Secretariat for Digital and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA), and Red.es, hosted the inaugural MWCapital Awards: Technologies for a Sustainable Future. The event celebrated six international projects that harness technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, and smart sensors to confront the major social and environmental challenges of the 21st century.

The ceremony, held at the Mirador Torre Glòries, brought together representatives from 17 finalist projects—selected from 157 entries spanning 34 countries—as well as technology entrepreneurs, social innovators, and public and private sector leaders committed to purpose-driven innovation. The distinguished jury, comprised of experts from organizations including GSMA, B Lab Spain, Red.es, MIT, AMETIC, and the International Telecommunication Union, evaluated the entries based on innovation, scalability, and tangible social impact to determine winners across five categories.

In the Business Category, Samsung Electronics Iberia was honored for its "Technology with Purpose" initiative. The project features more than 30 AI-powered accessibility solutions that have benefited over half a million people. Among its notable innovations are TALLK, which facilitates communication for ALS patients; UNFEAR, which minimizes distracting noises to create more comfortable environments for individuals with autism; and IMPULSE, which converts spoken words into rhythmic vibrations via a smartwatch.

The SMEs and Startups Category recognized Colombia’s Julieta, a wearable AI-powered device developed by Salva Health. This innovative solution enables early detection of illnesses, including breast cancer, without resorting to radiation or requiring specialized personnel—a breakthrough particularly valuable in underserved regions. Clinical trials involving 2,300 patients in major Colombian cities have demonstrated an accuracy of 82% and a sensitivity of 81% in detecting anomalies.

The Research Centers Category was awarded to Western Sydney University (Australia) for its SIMPaCT project. This IoT-enabled smart irrigation system employs an AI-based model, various sensors, and digital twins to optimize urban cooling and water use. Compared to conventional irrigation systems, SIMPaCT has achieved water reductions of between 44% and 70%.

Mauritania’s Nut4Health secured the Nonprofit Category for its innovative approach to combating child malnutrition and improving maternal health in vulnerable communities. The project leverages blockchain, machine learning, and smart contracts to ensure transparency in fund management, and it has already supported over 1,200 families in the Assaba region.

In the Public Facility Category, Tampere, Finland, was recognized for its Data-Driven City for Citizens initiative. Using a combination of AI, digital twins, and real-time data from cameras, weather services, and event information, the project—known as Tampere Pulse—effectively predicts visitor flow and optimizes resource allocation to enhance urban sustainability and community engagement.

Additionally, the Brazilian initiative Embrace the Forest was honored with the Barcelona Horizon Award. The project, which focuses on forest fire management through its AI-powered Pantera software, will receive up to €50,000 to test its innovative solution in Barcelona. Pantera, which monitors over 17.5 million hectares including tiger reserves in India and natural areas in Brazil, uses real-time data analysis and drones to detect fires within seconds—resulting in reductions of burned areas by up to 85% and operating costs by 70%.

During the event, Francesc Fajula, CEO of Mobile World Capital Barcelona, emphasized that technological progress must consider social and environmental impacts alongside economic factors, stating, "Technology is our best ally in building a more sustainable, fair, and equal society." GSMA Ltd CEO John Hoffman echoed this sentiment, remarking that the awards demonstrate how ethics and inclusivity in technology can catalyze progress in critical areas—from healthcare and urban resilience to climate change mitigation. Red.es Director General Jesús Herrero and Lucas Hunter, interim Managing Director of B Lab Spain, similarly underscored the importance of these initiatives in fostering a green and digital transition.

By hosting these awards, MWCapital reaffirms its commitment to leveraging technology as a transformative force for economic and social change in alignment with the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The recognition of these groundbreaking projects not only spotlights technical excellence but also inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing challenges.