Technology has the greatest impact when it solves real-world problems.
That was the theme running through this year’s Mobile World Capital Awards 2026, where innovators from around the world were recognised for using AI, mobile connectivity and emerging technologies to improve lives, strengthen communities and address some of society’s most pressing challenges.
As a supporter of the awards, GSMA Foundry is proud to celebrate organisations demonstrating how innovation can move beyond ideas into practical, scalable solutions with measurable impact.
AI helping communities access healthcare
Several of this year’s winners showcased how AI is transforming healthcare delivery, particularly for underserved and vulnerable communities.
In Nigeria, HeliumDoc AI, developed by Helium Health, is helping ensure continuity of care for flood-prone communities through an AI-powered platform that combines remote consultations, secure digital health records, geospatial mapping and mobile-first services. By maintaining access to healthcare during climate emergencies, the solution is strengthening the resilience of local health systems.
In China, RCare, developed by the Harbin Institute of Technology, is using AI together with millimetre-wave radar to provide clinical-grade, contactless monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Without requiring patients to wear sensors, the technology enables more accessible remote care while supporting clinicians with real-time data and AI-assisted decision making.
Another inspiring healthcare innovation, HERA, has been co-created with refugee communities to help women navigate healthcare independently. Through a multilingual WhatsApp chatbot, portable digital health records, clinic location services and an AI assistant trained on Syrian Arabic dialects, the platform demonstrates the value of designing technology with communities, not simply for them.
Meanwhile, the SAM Photo Diagnosis App® is supporting frontline health workers by enabling child malnutrition to be detected from a single photograph, even in offline environments. By combining AI with scientific research and an intelligent data platform, the solution helps improve diagnosis, monitoring and community health responses where resources are often limited.
Connectivity creating opportunity
Beyond healthcare, this year’s winners highlighted how connectivity remains a powerful enabler of social and economic development.
ChargeByte, from Kenya, is addressing both energy access and digital inclusion through solar-powered community hubs that provide affordable electricity, device charging, public Wi-Fi and digital services for schools, healthcare facilities and underserved communities. By bringing together renewable energy and connectivity, the initiative is creating new opportunities for education, healthcare and economic growth.
Overcoming geographic barriers
Innovation is also helping communities overcome physical barriers that have historically limited access to essential services.
Nun Jukrä Tä Kwin is using drone technology to transform medicine delivery for remote communities where healthcare access often depends on rivers, sea routes or long journeys on foot. Serving almost 20,000 people, the initiative is reducing medicine shortages while ensuring essential treatments reach those who need them quickly and reliably.
Recognising innovation with purpose
The Mobile World Capital Awards celebrate organisations that are applying technology to solve meaningful challenges, demonstrating that innovation is most valuable when it delivers tangible benefits for people and communities.
For GSMA Foundry, these projects reflect the kind of collaboration and practical innovation that sits at the heart of our mission. Across healthcare, connectivity, sustainability and humanitarian access, each winner demonstrates how emerging technologies can be applied responsibly to create lasting impact.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists of the Mobile World Capital Awards 2026. We look forward to following the continued growth of these inspiring solutions and the positive difference they will make around the world.
Interested in collaborating?
The projects recognised at the Mobile World Capital Awards demonstrate what’s possible when organisations work together to solve real-world challenges.
If you’re developing innovative solutions and looking to collaborate with the mobile ecosystem, discover how GSMA Foundry can help accelerate your innovation journey. Get in touch at foundry@gsma.com to start the conversation.