This international initiative aims to honor groundbreaking projects that use digital transformation to make meaningful progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. aimed at creating a triple impact: economic, social and environmental.
The awards reflect MWCapital’s vision of a responsible, progressive digital transition, where technology acts as a catalyst for solving pressing global problems such as inequality, climate change and digital inclusion.
“We believe in a future where digital innovation and sustainability are inextricably linked,” said Francesc Fajula, CEO of Mobile World Capital Barcelona. “With these awards we want to recognize groundbreaking technological projects that actively contribute to a more just and sustainable world.”
The initiative is supported by strategic partners B Lab Spain and GSMA Foundry. In addition to its role as advisor and jury member, B Lab will offer sustainability impact workshops along with personalized action plans for the 15 finalists, while GSMA Foundry, GSMA’s innovation hub, will leverage its global platforms to increase the visibility of winning projects.
Richard Cockle, Head of GSMA Foundry and Connected Industries at GSMA, said that “Sustainability and working towards the SDGs are absolutely crucial for the GSMA and its members. The mobile industry has already made great progress towards the 17 goals, but there is still much work to be done before the 2030 deadline. We believe that encouraging innovation projects and initiatives such as the MWCapital Awards will play a crucial role in the industry efforts to make even more positive contributions.”
For her part, Belén Viloria, Executive Director of B Lab Spain, confirms: “In today’s world, it is essential that companies not only innovate, but also integrate sustainability into their core business strategies.”
The MWCapital Awards celebrate innovation across sectors and recognize contributions in five categories: corporations, small businesses and startups, non-profit organizations or companies of common interest (SBIC), academic institutions and research centers, and public institutions. A special award, the Barcelona Horizon Award, will be presented to the project with the greatest potential to drive sustainability within Barcelona’s digital ecosystem. The selected project will receive support at scale, ensuring its development and wider impact within the city.
The awards will culminate in June 2025 with a ceremony in Barcelona. The winners will receive international exposure, with the opportunity to present their work at MWC Barcelona 2026 and participate in discussions shaping the future of digital preservation. Additionally, the Barcelona Horizon Award includes a €50,000 grant to bring the winning project’s vision to life and promote positive change in the city.
Evaluation process and global call for submissions
The road to the final phase is difficult. Projects will undergo a two-stage evaluation process by an external international jury formed by leading figures in sustainability and innovation. Fifteen finalists will be selected and will benefit from tailor-made workshops designed to measure and increase their impact before the winners of each category are chosen.
The call for proposals is now open to projects worldwide, with applications being accepted until March 18, 2025. Eligible projects must align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, be operational for at least 12 months and have measurable show results in the field of sustainability. promoting sustainability through technology.
With the Mobile World Capital Awards, Barcelona strengthens its position as a global hub in the field of both digital innovation and sustainable development. As MWCapital continues its mission to lead a responsible digital transition, these awards will inspire projects that will not only transform industries but also contribute to a more inclusive and resilient future for all.
