In the latest installment of the GSMA Foundry’s Innovation Spotlight series, Richard Cockle sat down with Albert Mascarell, the head of tech transfer at Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), to explore how innovation and sustainability are being fused to drive real-world impact. The conversation delves into how MWCapital is transforming cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions with global potential.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Reality
Albert’s background is rooted in bioinformatics, biotech, and a rich history of launching science-based startups. Now leading MWCapital’s tech transfer initiatives, he focuses on translating academic research into tangible societal value. He defines tech transfer not just as patenting or spin-offs, but as a full-cycle process to ensure scientific innovations reach people and create lasting impact.
MWCapital’s Mission and Structure
As a public-private foundation, MWCapital is dedicated to “humanising technology.” Its core pillars include:
- Tech Transfer: Bringing academic research into the market.
- Digital Talent: Hosting events like Talent Arena to foster a skilled digital workforce.
- Innovative Projects: Backing technologies with strong societal impact.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Through observatories and data insights for policymakers.
Sustainability as a Core Principle
Albert emphasised that sustainability must be more than a marketing buzzword. It needs to be embedded into the full lifecycle of innovation, from the first line of code to product disposal. With the mobile and digital sectors producing significant waste and emissions, integrating sustainability into design and deployment is essential.
He also addressed the environmental cost of AI technologies and stressed the need for conscious design. While AI consumes high amounts of energy and water, it can also optimise logistics, agriculture, and health outcomes, offering a double-edged opportunity for sustainability.
Expanding Innovation Ecosystems
MWCapital is expanding its influence nationally and across Europe. Within Spain, they aim to support underrepresented universities and research centers. Internationally, their collaboration with the European Innovation Council has already helped incubate dozens of deep tech startups from across the continent.
Celebrating Global Impact through Awards
Their “Technology for a Sustainable Future” awards showcased the diversity of sustainable tech innovation, from brain monitoring tools in healthcare to AI-powered biodiversity protection and blockchain solutions combating malnutrition. The global response demonstrated both the adaptability and the necessity of tech in solving urgent societal challenges.
Advice for Aspiring Innovators
Albert’s key message to entrepreneurs? Don’t innovate in isolation. Engage with the industry, share your ideas (safely), and seek feedback early. The faster you take your idea to the real world, the more impactful it will be.
Looking Ahead: AI and Quantum
AI is a powerful tool for sustainability when used responsibly. MWCapital is also keeping an eye on quantum computing, which Albert believes will eventually transform industries just like AI has—though its widespread impact is still emerging.
Final Thoughts
Albert’s passion for translating science into impact is evident. MWCapital is not only shaping the innovation ecosystem of Spain but also setting a benchmark for Europe and beyond. As innovation continues to evolve, their mission to humanise technology and embed sustainability into every layer of progress remains critical.
Stay tuned as the next chapter of health, performance, and personalized tech unfolds at the beautiful game’s most forward-thinking club.
Watch the full interview here.
Stay tuned for further developments from the GSMA Foundry.