When Barcelona hosted the mobile world in 2006, the World Mobile Congress (MWC) stood as a singular event focused on the latest breakthroughs within a specific field. Back then, mobile technology was still something of a frontier, a novice nonetheless on the verge of a social transformation. Today, Barcelona has evolved into a global hub for technology as a social phenomenon, and it is preparing for another edition of the renowned fair. Companies, startups, and research institutions from across industries converge in anticipation of the kinds of innovations that shape our daily lives and future work. The fair remains a barometer of where mobile and connected tech are headed and how they intersect with everyday activities, business models, and public services. (Source: GSMA, event organizers)
From February 27 to March 2, Barcelona Gran Via Fair places its gaze on the near horizon, where the future is no longer distant but shaped by ongoing developments. The organizers, GSMA, have announced that the event will feature elements within the Journey to the Future experience. This immersive space invites attendees to explore a broad spectrum of technological solutions crafted to address social challenges, ranging from healthcare access to urban mobility and environmental resilience. The emphasis is on practical applications that can be adopted by organizations large and small, with real-world demonstrations that bridge theory and implementation. (Source: GSMA, event organizers)
Among the anticipated innovations is a group of projects centered on artificial intelligence (AI) that promise tangible benefits. One example highlights capabilities in creating 3D-printed bioplastic materials tailored for hospital applications, potentially enabling more adaptable medical devices and suppliers to reduce waste. Other demonstrations point to robotic exoskeletons designed to assist those with mobility limitations, offering renewed independence and improved quality of life. Additional efforts explore energy generation that begins at the ground level, signaling a shift toward local, on-site power solutions that could complement traditional energy systems. These demonstrations underscore how AI and related technologies are moving from concept to concrete tools in sectors such as health and energy. (Source: GSMA, project participants)
technology for everyone
This forward-looking technology will be present across the entire Mobil exhibition program and during the conference talks. As the 2023 edition transitions to broader global connectivity ambitions, the fair will also dedicate space to examine expanding markets including 5G networks, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and the evolving fields of virtual reality and augmented reality. The event will also explore blockchain, quantum computing, and the critical role of rare earth elements in modern production. In essence, the fair will map how these technologies converge to create new services, business models, and opportunities across the economy. (Source: GSMA, event materials)
These technologies have long moved beyond niche status. They are increasingly adopted by a wide range of productive sectors seeking to improve efficiency, accelerate growth, and unlock new capabilities. The organizers have highlighted that a significant portion of speakers—approximately four in ten—will come from industries outside traditional technology, illustrating how non-tech sectors integrate these innovations into their operations. Health, finance, sustainability, entertainment, mobility, sports, and retail are among the fields where digital tools are becoming core drivers. In 2023, technology is no longer a specialist concern; it is a pervasive enabler across the economy. (Source: GSMA, speaker lineup)