The MWCapital Awards recognise the international tech projects with the greatest impact on sustainability
The winning projects come from 6 countries and offer technological solutions to global challenges such as health, urban sustainability or resource management.
The awarded initiatives will be able to present their solutions at the upcoming MWC26 Barcelona.
The Embrace the Forest initiative from Brazil has been recognised with the Barcelona Horizon Awards, which includes up to €50,000 to carry out a pilot project in Barcelona, using its technology for wildfire prevention.
BARCELONA, Spain, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ — Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), in collaboration with GSMA Foundry, B Lab Spain, the State Secretariat for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA) and Red. es, held the first edition of the MWCapital Awards: Technologies for a Sustainable Future, recognising six international projects that use technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics or smart sensors to address the major social and environmental challenges of the 21st century. With these awards, MWCapital highlights the role of technology as a driver of transformation towards a more resilient and sustainable model.
The ceremony, held at the Mirador Torre Glòries, brought together representatives of the 17 finalist projects selected from 157 entries across 34 countries, along with entrepreneurs from the tech ecosystem, social stakeholders, and representatives from public and private institutions committed to purpose-driven innovation.
The jury, formed by experts from organisations such as GSMA, B Lab Spain, Red.es, MIT, AMETIC and the International Telecommunication Union, evaluated the proposals based on innovation, scalability, and real social impact, selecting one winner for each of the five established categories.
The winning projects:
Business Category:Technology with Purpose (Spain) – Samsung Electronics Iberia has developed more than 30 accessibility projects based on artificial intelligence, benefiting over half a million people. Notable initiatives include TALLK, which enables basic communication for ALS patients; UNFEAR, which filters out disruptive noises to create more comfortable environments for people with autism; and IMPULSE, which transforms words into rhythmic vibrations through a smartwatch, acting as a silent assistant. All aim to improve lives using technology. (SDG 10: Reduced inequalities)
SMEs and Startups Category:Julieta (Colombia) – This portable device developed by Salva Health, powered by artificial intelligence, enables early detection of diseases such as breast cancer without the use of radiation or the need for specialised personnel, making healthcare more accessible in underserved regions. Tested in a study involving 2,300 patients across Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Barranquilla, it demonstrated 82% accuracy and 81% sensitivity in detecting abnormalities. Its effectiveness has been validated even in areas with limited infrastructure. (SDG 3: Good health and well-being, and SDG 10: Reduced inequalities)
Research Centres Category:SIMPaCT (Australia) – The IoT-powered smart irrigation system from Western Sydney University optimises urban cooling and water efficiency. Using an AI-based model, sensors and digital twins, it adjusts water use in real-time according to environmental conditions. It has achieved a water consumption reduction of between 44% and 70% compared to conventional systems. Unlike scheduled irrigation, SIMPaCT combines live monitoring, weather forecasting and machine learning algorithms to offer a scalable solution for urban climate resilience. (SDG 13: Climate action)
Non-profit Category:Nut4Health (Mauritania) – This project by SIC4Change tackles child malnutrition and improves maternal and child health in vulnerable communities through advanced technology. It has already supported over 1,200 families in Assaba and proposes a scalable, sustainable model. Its approach integrates blockchain, machine learning and smart contracts to ensure transparency in fund management and incentivise early diagnosis of children through a results-based payment system. (SDG 3: Good health and well-being)
Public Institutions Category:Data-driven city for citizens (Finland) – Tampere's smart city initiative uses AI and digital twins to enhance sustainability and citizen engagement. Tampere Pulse, accessible via web and mobile, predicts visitor flow in the city centre using real-time data from cameras, weather and events. Based on the IoT-TICKET platform, it helps residents, businesses and authorities optimise resources, schedules and decision-making, driving economic revitalisation. (SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities)
These projects will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the next edition of MWC Barcelona, gaining access to a key international platform to increase visibility and foster strategic collaborations.
In addition, as the winner of the Barcelona Horizon Award, the Embrace the Forest initiative from Brazil will receive up to €50,000 to pilot its solution in Barcelona. Its technology, Pantera, is a wildfire management software that uses artificial intelligence to prevent, detect, and analyse the impact of wildfires, to reduce CO₂ emissions. Currently, Pantera monitors over 17.5 million hectares, including tiger reserves in India and natural areas in Brazil, achieving up to an 85% reduction in burned areas and a 70% cut in operational costs. By combining AI, real-time data analysis and drones, it can detect fires within seconds, enabling rapid and effective responses that minimise wildfire damage. (SDG 13: Climate action)
Recognising technology with purpose
During the event, the CEO of Mobile World Capital Barcelona, Francesc Fajula, remarked that 'today, technological progress must consider not only economic criteria but also social and environmental ones.' He further noted that 'technology is our best ally in building a more sustainable, fair and equitable society.'
Meanwhile, the CEO of GSMA Ltd., John Hoffman, stated: 'MWCapital Awards are a powerful reminder that technology, when deployed ethically and inclusively, can accelerate progress toward one of the world's most urgent goals. The awards showcase projects that deliver real and measurable impact, from improving health outcomes and urban resilience to fighting climate change. At the GSMA, we are proud to champion innovation that drives digital transformation with purpose, and we look forward to seeing these remarkable initiatives take the global stage at MWC26 Barcelona.'
In the same vein, the Director General of Red.es, Jesús Herrero, added: 'These awards represent a magnificent opportunity to showcase the best international projects where new technologies are being applied to achieve a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world. Climate change and the technological revolution require governments, businesses, and citizens alike to take action towards a green and digital transition'.
Additionally, the Interim Executive Director of B Lab Spain, Lucas Hunter, highlighted: 'At B Lab Spain, we welcome initiatives like the MWCapital Awards that shine a spotlight on the real, measurable impact of technological innovation. These projects show that it is possible to combine technical excellence with business models that prioritise people and the planet. Recognising this kind of leadership and promoting strategic frameworks such as the B Corp standards is key to accelerating the transition towards an economic model capable of addressing today's challenges'.
With the MWCapital Awards, Mobile World Capital Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to technology as a driver of economic and social transformation. These awards, aligned with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda, recognise tech solutions with the greatest potential to contribute to the world's biggest challenges.
In its first edition, the MWCapital Awards recognised the most innovative technology projects internationally, not only for their technical excellence but also for their ambition to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators committed to improving lives and the planet.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2709907/MWCapital_Awards.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2289657/5367925/Mobile_World_Capital_Barcelona_Logo.jpg
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Astronauts return to Earth with SpaceX after 5 months at the International Space Station
Four astronauts are back on Earth after a five-month stay at the International Space Station. Their SpaceX capsule parachuted into the Pacific off the Southern California coast on Saturday, a day after departing the orbiting lab.
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Dover (DOV) Celebrates 70 Years Of Consistent Dividend Increases With US$0.52 Payout
Dover announced a modest increase in its quarterly cash dividend, marking the 70th consecutive year of such hikes, underscoring its long-term commitment to returning capital to shareholders. Despite this, Dover's stock price was flat over the last week, in contrast to the broader market rally where major indices, including the Nasdaq, reached record highs. The tech stock surge driven by industry giants like Apple and significant market rebounds appear to have limited the impact of Dover's dividend news. Consequently, the company's stable performance aligns with market trends but lacks the momentum seen in tech-heavy sectors. Buy, Hold or Sell Dover? View our complete analysis and fair value estimate and you decide. Uncover 14 companies that survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. The recent dividend hike from Dover has not been able to significantly push its stock price higher in the short term amid the tech sector rally. However, over the past five years, Dover's total return, including dividends, stands at 66.39%. This long-term performance provides a broader perspective, indicating consistent value creation for its shareholders, despite the recent lag compared to the broader market where the US Machinery industry returned 18.6% just over the past year. Although the company's stock price remains below the consensus price target of US$212.26, the recent news likely reinforces Dover's commitment to returning capital to shareholders, which may contribute positively to investor perception. Revenue and earnings forecasts remain stable at US$7.83 billion and US$1.07 billion respectively, with expected growth trajectories unaltered by the dividend news. The current share price of US$173.52 presents a discount of approximately 22.3% to the analyst target, suggesting potential upside for investors who believe in Dover's underlying growth drivers. Assess Dover's future earnings estimates with our detailed growth reports. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include DOV. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump Warns of New 'Great Depression' if Courts Block His Tariff Plan: 'It Would Be 1929 All Over Again'
President Donald Trump is warning of potential economic fallout if his extensive tariff policy is overturned, hinting at a new Great Depression. What Happened: Trump voiced his apprehensions in a post on Truth Social, suggesting that a negative verdict on the tariff policy by a 'Radical Left Court' could have catastrophic implications for the country's economy. He underscored the difficulty the U.S. would face in bouncing back from such an economic setback. "If a Radical Left Court ruled against us at this late date, in an attempt to bring down or disturb the largest amount of money, wealth creation and influence the U.S.A. has ever seen, it would be impossible to ever recover, or pay back, these massive sums of money and honor. It would be 1929 all over again, a GREAT DEPRESSION!" he said in the post. "There is no way America could recover from such a judicial tragedy, but I know our Court System better than anyone, there is no one in history that has gone through the trials, tribulations and uncertainties such as I, and absolutely terrible, but also amazingly beautiful, things can happen. Our Country deserves SUCCESS AND GREATNESS, NOT TURMOIL, FAILURE, AND DISGRACE," Trump further added. Also Read: Jim Cramer Has Blunt Message for Fed Chair Powell After July Job Numbers Tanked The President's tariffs, introduced on Thursday, have stirred the global trade system. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed with a 0.5 percent loss in the aftermath of the tariff imposition, and the S&P 500 index also dipped by approximately 0.1 percent. However, the markets made a comeback on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average seeing a 0.6 percent increase and the S&P 500 index climbing by 0.8 percent. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is presently examining Trump's rationale for his tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Earlier this week, former House Speaker Paul Ryan speculated that Trump's emergency tariff authority could be overruled by the Supreme Court. While economic historians generally agree that tariffs were not a cause of the Great Depression, some do argue that the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act signed into law on June 17, 1930, less than nine months after the Wall Street crash of 1929, made the Depression worse. Why It Matters: The potential reversal of Trump's tariff policy could have far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy. The President's warning of a possible depression underscores the gravity of the situation. The tariffs, which have already caused fluctuations in the stock market, are a contentious issue that could significantly impact global trade. The outcome of the U.S. Court of Appeals' review of the tariffs under the IEEPA will be critical in determining the future direction of the U.S. economy. Read Next Ex-Trump Lawyer Says Trump Could Set Sights on Musk's Billions: 'It Bothers Him That He Is the Richest Man' Image: Shutterstock/Dennis MacDonald Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Trump Warns of New 'Great Depression' if Courts Block His Tariff Plan: 'It Would Be 1929 All Over Again' originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
