Once again, the Mobile World Congress (MWC) and 4YFN, two world-leading events in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, were held at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, from March 2 to 5.
The MWC and 4YFN welcomed 105,000 visitors from 207 countries and territories.
Catalonia’s stand at MWC
Spain’s stand at MWC
As in previous years, SOM-INN PORT attended the event with the aim of gaining first-hand insight into the trends transforming industry and identifying collaboration opportunities with startups, corporations and institutions from the digital ecosystem.
Robot at MWC
Harmonicity at MWC
This year, MWC26, celebrating its 20th edition, revolved around the concept “The IQ Era”, which emphasizes the combination of data, deep thinking and critical analysis to better guide decision-making and technological development.
The congress was structured around six main themes (Intelligent Infrastructure, ConnectAI, AI for Enterprise, AI Nexus, Tech4All and Game Changers), addressing topics such as the digital infrastructures of the future, the integration of artificial intelligence into productive sectors, technological inclusion and the most disruptive innovations in the mobile field.
AI Data Center at MWC
Technical collaboration between Indra and BWT Alpine to apply sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Formula 1 environment
Aerial and Amphibious Drone Detectors
Autonomous Vehicles at MWV
At the same time, 4YFN26 once again placed startups at the center of the stage, consolidating itself as a key meeting point for entrepreneurs, investors and corporations.
The 4YFN occupied two exhibition halls, where around 1,000 companies from more than 100 countries showcased their innovations, with strong representation from the Catalan and Spanish ecosystems.
SOM-INN PORT at the 4YFN
Pitchs at Tech Barcelona stand
Under the theme “Infinite AI – the boundless frontier”, the common thread of this year’s edition was artificial intelligence. Although AI had already been a major topic in previous editions, it was mainly discussed as a subject of debate rather than the core technology behind startups.
Spain’s stand at 4YFN
AI computing from data center to edge
This year, however, commercial-stage solutions based on artificial intelligence clearly dominated the landscape. The event explored the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the many applications startups are developing to transform a wide range of industries. It also highlighted the role of human intelligence and the entrepreneurial ecosystem as key drivers of technological innovation.
Startups Pitchs at 4YFN
Startups in 4YFN
Catalonia’s stand at 4YFN
Catalonia’s stand at 4YFN
Among the program highlights were the 4YFN26 Awards, which provide international visibility to emerging technology companies and include a €20,000 prize.
In this edition, 20 startups participated, with five finalists selected in the categories of HealthTech, Fintech, ClimateTech, Mobile Frontiers and Digital Horizons.
The winner was Biorce, an artificial intelligence platform for clinical trials that integrates recent public trial data and enables the generation of research protocols in just a few minutes through its software Aika.
Startups awarded at 4YFN
The presence of SOM-INN PORT at MWC and 4YFN 2026 made it possible to strengthen knowledge of emerging trends in artificial intelligence, connectivity and digitalization, while also exploring new collaboration opportunities with startups and key players in the technology ecosystem.
4YFN once again proved to be a valuable space to connect with startups and technology companies, exchange experiences and identify solutions potentially applicable to the digital transformation of ports and the promotion of the blue economy.
Among the initiatives present was the startup DATLANTIS, whose “Underwater Data Center” project has the Port of Tarragona as a facilitating partner within the Ports 4.0 Ideas call.
This direct exposure to innovation is particularly relevant to continue promoting initiatives linked to digital transformation, sustainability and the competitiveness of the port sector.
March 12, 2026
Department of Innovation and Blue Economy