Mobile World Congress Barcelona wraps up a vibrant 2022 edition with more than 61,000 attendees

Mobile World Congress Barcelona, the world's largest and most influential connectivity event, wrapped up its 2022 edition having hosted over 61,000 attendees from almost 200 countries in 4 days.

According to GSMA, a preliminary economic analysis indicated that MWC will have contributed more than €240 million to Barcelona's economy and created more than 6,700 part-time jobs in 2022. The GSMA also highlighted that MWC was a carbon-neutral event.

"Nothing beats MWC in person, and it was exciting to bring our community – which is so passionate about connectivity – back together to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead." John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd. said.

"On behalf of the GSMA, I would like to thank all of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners who came together to make MWC22 so productive, safe, and successful. I also want to thank Barcelona City Council, Generalitat de Catalunya, the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transformation, Fira de Barcelona, Tourism de Barcelona (the Host City Parties), the L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Mobile World Capital, and the people of Catalonia and Spain. Your support is unwavering, and your creativity, hospitality, and perseverance continually inspire us.”, added Hoffman.

Over four days, more than 1,900 companies joined MWC22 Barcelona to showcase the role of mobile technology in unleashing connectivity, exploring 5G, Artificial Intelligence, or Internet of Everything, among other technologies.

Catalonia-based startups at 4YFN

Focus on the local entrepreneurial startup community returned with the 4YFN (Four Years from Now) programme as it welcomed over 500 international startups and over 300 speakers to share insights on how to drive the ecosystem forward.

Competing for more than €24 billion of investment, 200 startups pitched to leading funds, VCs, and CVCs during the event.

The Minister for Business and Labour of the Government of Catalonia, Roger Torrent, said that "4YFN is helping us to consolidate Catalonia and Barcelona as the main hub for startups in Southern Europe".

ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment showcased 36 Catalan startups at its 4YFN stand to gain international visibility, find investors and meet partners from all over the world.

At the same time, ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment has organized more than 1,200 business meetings at MWC’s Open Innovation Challenge between startups, companies, and investors from 60 different countries, such as Samsung, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai.

Source: GSMA and Catalonia Trade & Investment