International Projects Tackling Sustainability Win at MWCapital Awards
In a historic initiative to promote technology’s role in addressing current world issues, Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital) has hosted the first edition of the MWCapital Awards: Technologies for a Sustainable Future with GSMA Foundry, B Lab Spain, SEDIA (Spain’s State Secretariat for Digitization and Artificial Intelligence), and Red.es. The award aims to identify and recognize international technology-based initiatives that are measurably advancing sustainable development.
The event drew interest from 157 projects ranging over 34 countries and presented six national award winners in categories ranging from public institutions to start-ups, demonstrating how innovations using new technologies (including artificial intelligence, blockchain, smart sensors and data analytics) are transforming how we address health, climate resilience and inclusive urban development.
A Worldwide Celebration of Purpose-Driven Technology
The award ceremony held at the remarkable Mirador Torre Glòries in Barcelona was attended by representatives from 17 finalist projects, as well as leaders from the tech ecosystem, social impact organisations, and public institutions. Each project was evaluated on innovation, scalability, and real-world impact by a highly respected jury from MIT, GSMA, B Lab, AMETIC, Red.es, and the International Telecommunication Union.
During the award ceremony, winners in five major categories were announced, each representing the impact of digital innovation:
Business Category: Samsung Iberia’s Technology for Results (Spain)
Samsung’s Technology for Results is comprised of 30+ different accessibility projects using AI to help over 500,000 people. Important innovations include:
TALLK – Helping ALS patients to talk.
UNFEAR – Making environments more autism-friendly by filtering unhelpful noises.
IMPULSE – A wearable that converts words into rhythmic vibrations for the hearing impaired.
These solutions exemplify inclusive design and tech-for-good outcomes.
SMEs & Startups: Julieta by Salva Health (Colombia)
This AI-enabled wearable technology provides early breast cancer detection without specialist input, in low-resource settings, and without radiation. Julieta is clinically validated across four cites in Colombia, with over 80% accuracy and sensitivity and a scalable, affordable health solution.
Research Institutions: SIMPaCT by Western Sydney University (Australia)
SIMPaCT is a smartirrigation solution for urban environments using AI, IOT sensors and digital twins to help cool cities with less water. The system has reduced irrigation water use – in some cases by up to 70% than traditional irrigation methods – ultimately changing what’s possible with sustainable urban infrastructure.
Non-Profit Category: Nut4Health by SIC4Change (Mauritania)
Nut4Health aims to address child malnutrition through the use of data. Using blockchain, machine learning and smart contracts, Nut4Health seeks to provide transparency and incentives for early diagnosis in remote areas. Nut4Health has already provided benefit to over 1,200 families in the Assaba region of Mauritania.
Public Sector Category: A Data-driven City for Citizens (Tampere, Finland)
Tampere City has launched a city-wide implementation of a platform named Tampere Pulse, powered by a digital twin that utilizes real-time data to manage foot traffic, events and weather-related planning. Tampere Pulse is built on the IoT-TICKET platform to engage with citizens and assist businesses in planning with efficient use of city resources.
Barcelona Horizon Award: Brazil’s Embrace the Forest
In a special highlight, the Barcelona Horizon Award was presented to Embrace the Forest, a Brazilian tech initiative using AI and drone technology to combat wildfires. Its flagship platform, Pantera, currently monitors over 17.5 million hectares—including India’s tiger reserves and Brazilian forests. With capabilities to detect fires in seconds, the system has cut burned areas by 85% and operational costs by 70%. The €50,000 grant will enable a pilot project in Barcelona, expanding the platform’s global footprint.
Global Voices Endorsing Tech for Impact
Francesc Fajula, CEO of MWCapital, emphasized the awards’ larger vision:
“Technological advancement must now factor in social and environmental metrics alongside economic growth. These awards underscore our belief in technology’s capacity to shape a sustainable and equitable future.”
GSMA CEO John Hoffman added, “The MWCapital Awards validate the idea that innovation, when deployed inclusively, can catalyze solutions for climate resilience, public health, and urban sustainability. We’re proud to bring these changemakers to the global stage at MWC26 Barcelona.”
Red.es CEO Jesús Herrero stressed the critical need for collaborative innovation, stating, “Governments, businesses, and communities must align efforts to transition toward a green, digital economy. These awards spotlight the technologies leading that charge.”
Lucas Hunter, Interim Executive Director at B Lab Spain, echoed the sentiment: “These projects show that ethical business models and technological excellence are not mutually exclusive. They pave the way for a purpose-driven digital economy.”
Looking Ahead to MWC26 Barcelona
The six awarded projects will receive significant visibility at MWC26 Barcelona, the largest mobile technology event in the world. This will increase their visibility and help them form strategic partnerships, attract investment and achieve global uptake.
As Mobile World Capital Barcelona connects the MWCapital Awards to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, it further emphasises the importance of technology as a vital enabler of global progress. The awards highlight and honour innovators that are connecting tech excellence with human impact, framing a future where digital transformation is aligned with sustainable and equitable growth.
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