Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital) announced, a few days ago, the 17 finalist projects for the second edition of the “MWCapital Awards: Technologies for a Sustainable Future.”
The edition this year saw a notable uptick in participation, reflecting the rapid pace of global digital transformation and a growing commitment to harness technology to tackle some of the world’s most urgent social and environmental challenges.
Diversity of Finalists and Projects
The call, which closed in March, drew 298 submissions from 62 countries, of which 65% were international initiatives. The 17 selected projects represent 13 countries, underscoring the diversity and global character of the innovation ecosystem. Among the finalists are initiatives from India, Kenya, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, China, Denmark, Pakistan, the United States and Spain, among others.
The selected projects span key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and energy. All initiatives demonstrate high potential to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while contributing to a more inclusive, ethical, and responsible digital transition. 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 enhances stroke care from symptom onset through hospital discharge. (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being)
- ChargeByte (Kenya) – Provides energy and connectivity hubs powered by solar energy for low-income communities in Africa. (SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy)
- DeepPsi (United States) – Its physics-based AI models simulate quantum matter to design materials with lower carbon footprints and quantum hardware. (SDG 7)
- dIAna (Spain) – AI-driven platform with a social mission created by ILUNION that drives training and professional development for employees. (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth)
- HeliumDoc AI (Nigeria) – AI-powered platform from Helium Health that strengthens health system resilience to climate change and disasters in flood-prone areas. (SDG 3)
- HERA (Turkey) – Digital health platform with AI and a WhatsApp assistant, developed with refugee communities, that facilitates women’s access to essential health services. (SDG 3)
- Internet for All (Peru) – 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) – Multi-agent AI platform that democratizes access to advanced oncology, enabling equitable cancer care in local communities. (SDG 3)
- MicroHeal (China) – AI-optimized microbial ecosystem that is cold-resistant and transforms wastewater treatment in high-latitude rural areas into an affordable, efficient solution. (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation)
- mObywatel (Poland) – National platform that integrates secure digital identity, official documents, and public services on citizens’ mobile devices. (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
- Nun Jukrä Tä Kwin (Panama) – Drone-enabled initiative powered by PAHO that improves access to medicines and diagnostics in remote communities. (SDG 3)
- OmniaLight (Spain) – Smart traffic light system developed by the CIRCE Technology Center that enhances pedestrian safety and reduces emissions. (SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities)
- Rcare (China) – AI-powered millimeter-wave radar system enabling contactless vital-sign monitoring with high precision. (SDG 3)
- Safecity (India) – Civic-tech platform focused on victims that uses ethical, privacy-respecting data practices to combat gender-based violence. (SDG 5 – Gender Equality)
- SAM Photo Diagnosis App (Senegal) – Action Against Hunger mobile app that detects severe acute malnutrition through morphometric analysis, even offline. (SDG 3)
- Wondertree (Pakistan) – AI and augmented reality platform that transforms physical therapy and special education into engaging, accessible experiences. (SDG 4 – Quality Education)
In the next phase, a panel of national and international experts in sustainability, technology, and social innovation will evaluate the finalist projects to select a winner for each category, as well as the Barcelona Horizon Award. Additionally, all finalists will work with B Lab Spain to enhance measurement and management of their impact through personalized action plans.
The awards will culminate on June 18 at La Pedrera, where all finalists will gather and the winning projects will be announced.
