Mobile World Congress marks 20 years in Barcelona with AI centre stage

Mobile World Congress (MWC) returns to Barcelona from March 2 to 5, marking 20 years since the event moved to the Catalan capital in 2006.

Organisers are expecting more than 100,000 visitors to attend this year's edition at the Fira Gran Via venue in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.

Over 2,900 exhibitors are taking part in what organisers GSMA describe as the world's largest connectivity event.

The congress is expected to attract attendees from more than 200 countries and territories, including around 20,000 senior executives.

Artificial intelligence will be the dominant theme of the congress. GSMA chief executive John Hoffman has said AI will feature across all halls, with applications ranging from industry and mobility to personalised digital services.

Discussions will also focus on so-called "agentic" AI systems and advanced 5G connectivity.

This year's edition takes place amid broader geopolitical tensions, with digital sovereignty, network security and data protection expected to feature prominently in debates.

Two decades in Catalonia

The congress, which relocated from Cannes to Barcelona in 2006, has become one of the city's flagship international events. According to organisers, MWC has generated an estimated €7.5 billion in economic impact over two decades.

Barcelona Airport has scheduled more than 9,000 flights during congress week, slightly above last year's level.

Major exhibitors 

Returning exhibitors include Huawei, with the largest stand at 10,000 square meters, as well as Ericsson, Samsung, China Mobile, Xiaomi, Intel, Microsoft, Nokia, SKT, Amazon Web Services, and Google.

Newcomers this year include Adobe, Siemens, Toshiba, and the Immersive Meta Lab from the owner of Facebook and WhatsApp.

Around 60% of participating companies operate in sectors beyond mobile telecommunications.

Several companies are expected to unveil new devices and prototypes.

Samsung is presenting its latest Galaxy S26 series, while other manufacturers will showcase foldable smartphones and modular concepts, including Honor's Robot Phone, a new foldable model and ultra-thin tablet, and Tecno's modular smartphone prototype.

Demonstrations will also feature robotics, smart infrastructure, and remote-controlled mobility technologies.

Space and quantum technologies will have a dedicated presence, with exhibitors including the European Space Agency and satellite operators such as Eutelsat and Viasat.

More than 100 Catalan companies and research centres are taking part in MWC, with 44 at the Catalonia stand in Hall 4 and 62 at the 4YFN start-up pavilion.

European edge infrastructure project

Among the anticipated announcements is the presentation of a European federated "Edge Continuum" initiative.

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, TIM and Vodafone are set to outline plans for a cross-border, interoperable edge infrastructure spanning several European countries. 

4YFN and Talent Arena

The startup platform 4 Years From Now (4YFN) is holding its 11th edition alongside the main congress.

This year it will have a separate entrance and ticket, a move organisers say is intended to reinforce its identity as a dedicated startup and investment forum.

The second edition of the Talent Arena, focused on digital professionals and developers, will take place at another site, Fira Montjuïc.

Speakers include World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee, Boston Dynamics AI Institute researcher Kate Darling and entrepreneur and DJ Steve Aoki. Organisers expect participation at the Talent Arena to exceed 22,000 people.