“MWC Barcelona is where industries meet; the discussions this week in Barcelona will set the tone for the year ahead”
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd.
Catalan Economy · International Events
07 Mar 2025
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 has once again proven to be a tremendous success, drawing an impressive 109,000 attendees from around the globe. This year's event, held from March 3-6, showcased groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation, solidifying MWC's status as the premier event in the mobile technology industry.
MWC25 saw a significant increase in attendance compared to last year's record of 101,000 visitors. The event attracted participants from over 200 countries, including industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts, all eager to witness the latest technological breakthroughs.
“MWC Barcelona is where industries meet; the discussions this week in Barcelona will set the tone for the year ahead”
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd.
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., said, "MWC is where industries meet, and this year's event showed just how fast technology is reshaping the world around us. From AI-powered networks to the future of smart mobility, the discussions this week in Barcelona will set the tone for the year ahead. What happens at MWC doesn't stay at MWC; it sparks real change. I can't wait to see where this momentum takes us next, particularly as we head to MWC25 Shanghai in June this year".
Artificial intelligence was the star of the show at MWC25. From AI-powered smartphones to cutting-edge robotics, the event highlighted how AI is transforming various sectors. The event also provided a platform for industry experts to share insights and discuss the future of mobile technology. Keynote speakers from leading companies such as Qualcomm, Xiaomi, and Honor addressed pressing topics, including the integration of AI in everyday devices and the future of 5G connectivity.
Catalonia was well-represented at MWC25, with 93 companies, technology centers, entities, and startups participating through spaces provided by the Government of Catalonia. These participants are expected to generate €22.7 million in business volume or investment in the coming months. This figure represents an increase of over 23% compared to last year.
Notably, 16% of the Catalan companies have already closed deals during the congress, a number that is likely to grow in the coming months. Over the four days of the event, these companies held 3,200 meetings and visits, 44% of which were with international professionals.
Additionally, the number of attendees visiting the Government of Catalonia's pavilion at MWC set a new record, reaching 16,700 unique visitors. This means that 1 in 6 attendees at MWC25 visited the Catalonia stand.
MWC25 was not just about product showcases; it was also a hub for business and collaboration. The event facilitated numerous networking opportunities, allowing attendees to forge valuable connections and explore potential partnerships. The congress has once again demonstrated its pivotal role in shaping the future of technology. As we look forward to next year's event, the anticipation for new breakthroughs and innovations continues to build.
Source: GSMA and Catalonia Trade & Investment
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