Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital) has announced the 17 technological projects selected as finalists for the second edition of the MWCapital Awards: Technologies for a Sustainable Future. These initiatives, coming from 13 countries, address key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and energy, with sustainability as their common driving force.
The organization highlights the significant increase in submissions for this edition, which it attributes to the rapid pace of global digital transformation and a growing commitment to using technology to address urgent social and environmental challenges.
The call for entries, which closed in March, received a total of 298 applications, 65% of which came from outside Spain, representing 62 countries. Among the selected projects are initiatives from India, Kenya, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, China, Denmark, Pakistan, the United States, and Spain, among others.
The awards, organized in collaboration with GSMA Foundry, B Lab Spain, the State Secretariat for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, and Red.es, will be presented on June 18 at La Pedrera in Barcelona.
The 17 finalist projects are:
- AgreenaCarbon (Denmark). Agreena’s digital platform uses satellite data, AI, and field-level insights to measure, verify, and scale regenerative agriculture. (SDG 13 – Climate Action)
- BraiN20® (Spain). Developed by Time is Brain, this real-time brain monitoring device improves stroke care from symptom onset through hospital discharge. (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being)
- ChargeByte (Kenya). Provides solar-powered energy and connectivity hubs for low-income communities across Africa. (SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy)
- DeepPsi (United States). Physics-based AI models simulate quantum matter to design lower-carbon materials and quantum hardware. (SDG 7)
- dIAna (Spain). A social-purpose AI platform created by ILUNION that supports employee training and professional development. (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth)
- HeliumDoc AI (Nigeria). An AI-powered platform by Helium Health that strengthens healthcare system resilience against climate change and disasters in flood-prone areas. (SDG 3)
- HERA (Turkey). An AI-driven digital health platform with a WhatsApp assistant, developed with refugee communities to improve women’s access to essential healthcare services. (SDG 3)
- Internet para todos (Peru). A global initiative led by IPT that expands sustainable mobile infrastructure in rural and underserved areas. (SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
- HS-Mind by KnowS (China). A multi-agent AI platform that democratizes access to advanced oncology care, enabling more equitable cancer treatment in local communities. (SDG 3)
- MicroHeal (China). A cold-resistant, AI-optimized microbial ecosystem that turns rural wastewater treatment in high-latitude regions into an affordable and efficient solution. (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation)
- mObywatel (Poland). A national platform integrating secure digital identity, official documents, and public services in citizens’ mobile devices. (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
- Nun Jukrä Tä Kwin (Panama). A drone-based initiative led by PAHO that improves access to medicines and diagnostics in remote communities. (SDG 3)
- OmniaLight (Spain). A smart traffic light developed by the CIRCE Technology Centre that enhances pedestrian safety and reduces emissions. (SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities)
- Rcare (China). An AI-powered millimeter-wave radar system enabling accurate, contactless monitoring of vital signs. (SDG 3)
- Safecity (India). A civic-tech platform focused on survivors that uses ethical, privacy-respecting data to combat gender-based violence. (SDG 5 – Gender Equality)
- SAM Photo Diagnosis App (Senegal). A mobile app by Action Against Hunger that detects severe acute malnutrition through morphometric analysis, even offline. (SDG 3)
- Wondertree (Pakistan). An AI and augmented reality platform that makes physiotherapy and special education more accessible and engaging. (SDG 4 – Quality Education)
In the next phase, a jury of national and international experts in sustainability, technology, and social innovation will evaluate the finalist projects. This process will determine the winners in each category, as well as the Barcelona Horizon Award. In parallel, all finalists will work with B Lab Spain to improve the measurement and management of their impact through customized action plans.
The MWCapital Awards, promoted by Mobile World Capital Barcelona in collaboration with GSMA Foundry, B Lab Spain, the State Secretariat for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, and Red.es, reflect a shared commitment to responsible digital transformation and highlight the key role of technology as a driver of sustainability.
Fuente: Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital)
