Faisal Zia, Technical Director at Foundry GSMA
At GSMA Foundry, we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Mobile World Capital Barcelona for their groundbreaking MWCapital Awards. As the innovation arm of GSMA, we’re committed to driving technological advancements that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration represents a significant step towards harnessing the power of mobile technology to address global challenges and create a more sustainable future.
Aligning Innovation with Global Goals
The MWCapital Awards resonate deeply with our mission at GSMA Foundry. These awards serve as a call to action, encouraging the use of technology to tackle pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and digital inclusion. As an organisation dedicated to fostering innovation in the mobile industry, we see this partnership as an opportunity to amplify the impact of innovation solutions in truly making a difference.
Our work at GSMA Foundry has consistently demonstrated the vital role of technology as a catalyst for sustainability. Through our various programmes and initiatives, we’ve seen firsthand how mobile solutions can enable equity and foster a more resilient global ecosystem. This awards programme aligns perfectly with our vision of a responsible, forward-thinking digital transition.
Fostering a Diverse Ecosystem of Innovators
One aspect of the MWCapital Awards that particularly excites us is its inclusivity. This initiative isn’t limited to tech companies; it’s an open invitation to startups, established firms, academic institutions, research centres, and public bodies. This diversity reflects our belief at GSMA Foundry that everyone has a role in shaping a sustainable digital future.
Our experience has shown that the most impactful solutions often arise from unexpected collaborations. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we can drive innovation that is both technologically advanced and deeply attuned to societal and environmental needs.
Leveraging GSMA’s Global Network
As part of the GSMA family, we’re in a unique position to support this initiative. Our global network of mobile operators, tech innovators, and industry partners provides a powerful platform for the winners to showcase their solutions and scale their impact.
Moreover, our SDG Accelerator team at GSMA works closely with members, governments, and partners across sectors to help realise the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This expertise will be invaluable in supporting the award finalists and winners as they refine and scale their solutions.
A Rigorous Selection Process
We’re particularly impressed by the thorough evaluation process of the MWCapital Awards. The two-phase assessment by an international jury of sustainability and innovation leaders ensures that only projects with the highest potential for global impact are recognised. This aligns with our commitment at GSMA Foundry to identify and nurture truly transformative innovations.
Beyond Recognition: Tailored Support for Finalists
The 15 finalists will receive more than just recognition. They’ll benefit from tailored workshops on measuring and amplifying their sustainability impact – an area where GSMA Foundry’s expertise will play a crucial role. We’re excited to share our insights and help these innovators refine their solutions for maximum impact.
A Global Stage for Sustainable Innovation
The opportunity for six winners to showcase their projects at MWC Barcelona 2026 is particularly exciting. As the organisers of MWC, we know the unparalleled exposure and networking opportunities this global stage provides. It’s a chance for these innovations to inspire and lead discussions shaping the future of digital sustainability on an international scale.
The Barcelona Horizon Award, offering up to €50,000 for a pilot project in the city, exemplifies how urban centres can become living labs for sustainable technology solutions. This aligns with our belief at GSMA Foundry that cities play a crucial role in driving and adopting innovations that contribute to the SDGs.
Commitment to Tech4Sustainability
These awards reinforce our commitment to Tech4Sustainability – ensuring that digital advancements contribute to societal and environmental progress. At GSMA Foundry, we believe that technology and sustainability are intrinsically linked, and this partnership allows us to further emphasise and act on this connection.
Looking Ahead
As we embark on this exciting partnership with Mobile World Capital Barcelona, we at GSMA Foundry are more committed than ever to fostering innovations that drive sustainable development. We believe that by working together – across industries, sectors, and borders – we can harness the power of mobile technology to create a brighter, more sustainable future.
We invite all innovators, thinkers, and changemakers to join us in this endeavour. Together, we can turn visionary projects into tangible impacts, contributing significantly to the 2030 Agenda and beyond. The MWCapital Awards are more than just a competition; they’re a catalyst for the sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future we all strive to create.
Through initiatives like these, we at GSMA Foundry are not just dreaming of a better world – we’re actively building it, one innovative project at a time. Join us in this exciting journey towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
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