Marking a significant step towards advancing global innovation, the Mobile World Capital Awards 2025 celebrated pioneering contributions to technology and sustainability. This inaugural edition of the Awards, held at the iconic Torre Glòries in Barcelona, underscored the commitment of Mobile World Capital Barcelona and its dedicated partners, GSMA Foundry and B Lab Spain, to create a brighter, more inclusive future through digital transformation.
The Mobile World Capital Awards were established to honour breakthrough projects that align innovative technology with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These awards shine a spotlight on impactful initiatives that deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits while setting new standards for ethical and human-focused innovation.
The 2025 edition saw an overwhelming 157 applications from across the globe with participation spanning startups, corporations, public institutions, academic centres, and purpose-driven organisations. Following a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished international jury, 17 exceptional finalists were chosen across six categories.
The Mobile World Capital Awards ephasise the responsible use of technology to address global challenges, setting new benchmarks for impactful innovation.
Award Categories and Winners
The Awards Ceremony spotlighted six key categories with winners from diverse sectors and regions. Each winner represented the best of what innovation can achieve when combined with a commitment to sustainability.
Companies
Winner: Tecnología con propósito (Spain)
Samsung Electronics Iberia developed AI-powered solutions improving accessibility for individuals with ALS, ASD, and speech disabilities.
Academia and Research Centres
Winner: SIMPaCT (Australia)
Western Sydney University’s smart irrigation system employs IoT and AI to enhance water efficiency and urban cooling.
SMEs and Startups
Winner: Julieta (Colombia)
Salva Health S.A.S. introduced a portable, AI-enabled device providing early disease detection for rural and underserved regions.
Public Institutions
Winner: Data-Driven City for Citizens (Finland)
The City of Tampere applied a data and AI-driven urban planning approach to improve public services and citizen well-being.
Non-profits and Societies with Purpose
Winner: Nut4Health (Mauritania)
Implemented by SIC4Change, this blockchain-driven project tackles child malnutrition and supports maternal and child health.
To ensure transparency and fairness, each winner was selected via a two-phase evaluation process. Judges assessed projects based on innovation, scalability, alignment with sustainability goals, and their potential tangible impact. Notable jury members included global leaders such as Francesc Fajula (Mobile World Capital), John Hoffman (GSMA), María González Veracruz (Government of Spain), and industry experts from Vodafone, Telefónica, CaixaBank, and others.
Projects were scored collectively, with the evaluation process prioritising alignment with Barcelona’s progressive role as a hub for sustainable digital transformation.
Building a Future of Innovation, Together
The success of the Mobile World Capital Awards 2025 signals the beginning of a movement. By inspiring greater collaboration between governments, businesses, and change makers, these awards highlight the collective responsibility to harness technology for positive change.
Interested in learning more or participating in next year’s Awards? Join the GSMA Foundry mailing list to be the first to know.