Almost 30,000 Students and Educators Attended Region’s Largest STEAM Event

Barcelona: The GSMA and Mobile World Capital Barcelona today announced that almost 30,000 students and educators attended The Youth Mobile Festival Barcelona (YoMo Barcelona) during MWC19 Barcelona. Designed for students from 8 to 16 years old, YoMo Barcelona was an engaging five-day showcase of science and technology that featured educational exhibits, live theatre shows, interactive workshops and over 100 hands-on activities from across the science, technology, engineering, art and design and mathematics (STEAM) sectors. The event also hosted over 4,000 people for its ‘family day’ hosted by Ajuntament de L’Hospitalet.

“In just three years, attendance at YoMo Barcelona has increased by 100 per cent, highlighting the growing passion, energy and excitement around science and technology and the amazing innovation that is taking place across the mobile and STEAM ecosystems,” said John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd., “Importantly, more than 50 per cent of the attendees at YoMo were female, helping to address gender equality for future generations and further the GSMA’s commitment to reducing the gender gap in the mobile ecosystem.”

Each year, YoMo introduces new activities for visitors and this year, a major attraction was the technology fashion show from the Istituto Europeo di Design‎, which featured designs from 10 students using 3D printing, laser cutting and digital technology. By mixing new technology with fashion and design the industry can become more ethical and sustainable. Other shows including the Impressive Science Show by Fundación Repsol and the mSTEAM car from Dani Jiminez.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Department of Education of Generalitat de Catalunya, Our Dream School and mSchools, the YoMo Teacher Track returned, offering invaluable insights and knowledge, as well as networking and continuing professional development experience for educators and professionals in the STEAM and education sectors. Technology and education thought-leaders and experts from Grupo SM, INTECH3D, Lego Education Robotix, Microsoft and Samsung provided a unique viewpoint on the future of education through, inspirational keynotes and educational hands-on workshops.

Moreover, the 20th edition of Magma Exporecerca Jove brought together 120 research projects carried out by youth between 12 and 18 years old. The annual exhibition, aims to promote research among young people, promote the exchange of experiences and encourage participation in this and other conferences nationally and internationally. This included a gala awards ceremony on Saturday, March 2 at Theatre Joventut L’Hospitalet Llobregat with over 40 awards presented to over 200 students from across the globe coming to YoMo to represent their respective countries and regions. Top prizes included a grant to participate in the ESI2019 festival in Abu Dhabi in September 2019, presented by the GSMA.

-ENDS-

About the GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators and nearly 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Mobile 360 Series of regional conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

About Mobile World Capital Barcelona
Mobile World Capital Barcelona is an initiative driving the digital advancement of society while helping improve people’s lives globally. With the support of the public and private sector, MWCapital focuses on four areas: the acceleration of innovation through digital entrepreneurship, the transformation of industries through digital technology, the rise of digital talent among new generations and professionals, and the reflection on the impact of technology in our society. Collectively, our programmes are positively transforming the economy, education and society.

MWCapital hosts MWC in Barcelona and founded 4 Years From Now (4YFN), the startup business platform, present at MWC events around the world.

Media Contacts:
For the GSMA
Beau Bass
+44 79 7662 4962
[email protected]

Daniel Ancin / Gloria Almirall
+34 93 236 09 00
[email protected]

GSMA Press Office
[email protected]

For Mobile World Capital Barcelona
Estel Estopinan
+34 656 258 394
[email protected]