4YFN (part of MWC) — Barcelona, Spain 2026

Overview

4YFN Barcelona, the flagship startup event co-located with GSMA’s MWC Barcelona, fuels the global startup ecosystem by connecting innovative digital ventures with investors, industry leaders, and opportunities, drawing thousands of founders, VCs, and tech executives to showcase AI, fintech, health tech, and mobile innovations that drive societal change. Organized by the GSMA—a global body representing 750+ mobile operators and 400+ ecosystem companies—4YFN 2026 marks a pivotal chapter in its mission to boost startups from inception through growth, offering exposure via the prestigious 4YFN Awards, conference tracks, and year-round community support. Held at Fira Gran Via, it synergizes with MWC’s connectivity focus, creating a vibrant hub where bold ideas meet actionable investments amid Barcelona’s dynamic innovation landscape.

As part of the GSMA’s broader pillars of Industry Services, Connectivity for Good, and Outreach, 4YFN extends beyond the event through its international community network, providing ongoing access to deal flow, mentoring, and global platforms like MWC Shanghai and Doha. The 2026 edition will amplify themes of ethical AI, sustainable tech, and digital inclusion, featuring the Awards’ €20,000 prize, exhibition pods for top finalists, and networking with 1,000+ investors. Past winners like Bankuish (fintech for gig workers) exemplify its impact, securing contracts and visibility that accelerate trajectories. With partners like Banco Sabadell and EY, 4YFN remains a launchpad for resilient founders breaking boundaries. Sustainability and inclusivity are embedded, aligning with GSMA’s vision for equitable connectivity, through eco-practices like digital resources and diverse programming that empowers underrepresented innovators. As the world’s leading startup competition within MWC, 4YFN 2026 promises unparalleled momentum, turning Barcelona into a nexus for the next wave of transformative ventures.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances: Conference sessions across tracks like Digital Horizons, Fintech, and Green Tech; on-stage pitching at the 4YFN Awards; live demos and keynotes from GSMA experts.
• Special Traditions or Features: The 4YFN Awards with €20,000 prize and GSMA Foundry showcase; investor lounges for speed-dating and co-investment; Startup Catalogue for year-round visibility.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Exhibition pods for 20+ finalists; networking with 1,000+ investors; integration with MWC for cross-ecosystem synergies like ministerial meetups.

Why Attend

4YFN 2026, nestled within MWC Barcelona, catapults your startup into the global spotlight, where 3,000+ founders connect with 1,000+ investors and industry titans to secure € millions in funding and partnerships—overlooking it means missing the ecosystem boost that propelled winners like Bankuish to contracts and scale. With free exhibition for top 20 finalists, speaking slots, and GSMA networking, it’s a high-ROI accelerator for early-stage ventures harnessing AI and mobile tech, offering tangible perks like €1,500–€20,000 prizes and year-round community access. Barcelona’s fusion of event energy and cultural vibrancy ensures serendipitous deals, from lounge chats to afterparties, making every interaction a potential game-changer in a €1T+ digital economy.

The event’s GSMA backing guarantees credibility and reach, with tracks addressing real challenges like digital inclusion and sustainability, empowering diverse founders through inclusive programming. For investors, it’s prime deal flow from vetted innovators; for corporates, a scouting ground for acquisitions; and for all, a collaborative space where ideas evolve into impact, as echoed by past participants’ stories of pilots and funding wins. In an interconnected world, 4YFN’s global extensions via MWC series amplify your network, delivering lasting value. Beyond sessions, 4YFN’s Connectivity for Good pillar tackles inequalities, with eco-initiatives like reduced waste aligning with societal goals. Whether pitching for prizes or forging alliances, 2026 equips you to thrive, blending MWC’s scale with startup intimacy for an unforgettable leap forward.

Date & Duration

• Dates: March 2–5, 2026
• Duration: 4 days

Venue / Location

• City: Barcelona, Spain
• Main Venue: Fira Gran Via, Halls 8.0 & 8.1, C/ Foc 37, 08038 Barcelona
• Google Maps Address: Fira Gran Via
• Additional Notes: Co-located with MWC; entrance via Hall 8; not a postal address for shipments.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Online via 4yfn.com; bundled with MWC passes, early-bird and group discounts available.
• Admission Type: Paid (free exhibition for Awards finalists)
• Ticket Price Range: $300–$1,200 USD (minimum to maximum, depending on pass type; Awards entry free)
• Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP includes investor lounge access, priority Awards networking, and GSMA sessions.

Booking with Euro Travelo

• Looking to attend 4YFN 2026 hassle-free?
• Euro Travelo can secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish.
• The team specializes in seamless experiences for international visitors attending business conferences, trade shows, or cultural festivals across Europe.
• Contact: Reach out to Euro Travelo to book tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: Not specified; use the contact form on 4yfn.com or GSMA support.
• Phone: Not specified; refer to MWC channels.
• Website: 4yfn.com
• Social Media: @4YFN (Instagram, Twitter), 4YFN (LinkedIn)
• Key Staff: Not specified; contact via GSMA for organizers.
• Press/Volunteers: Press via MWC media; volunteer info through site (TBD).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English/Spanish support available.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), 10 km, 15-min drive or 30-min metro.
• Public Transport: Metro L9S to Fira (direct from airport, €5.15); buses 79, H10; trains to Europa|Fira.
• Parking: On-site at Fira for 6,000 vehicles (€20/day); accessible spaces with permit.
• Private Vehicle Drop-off/Pick-up: Designated areas; taxi/Uber from BCN €25–€35.
• Visa Support: Schengen visa if required; invitation letters via GSMA post-registration.

Accommodation Options

• Porta Fira Hotel: Modern tower adjacent to Fira. Fastest route: 5-minute walk to Halls 8.0/8.1.
• Barceló Fira de Catalunya: Comfortable with event views. Fastest route: 10-minute metro (L9S) to Fira.
• Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel: Upscale with amenities. Fastest route: 15-minute walk or shuttle.
• Booking Partner: Official MWC partners like bnetwork offer exclusive rates at 400+ properties, group options, and shuttles. Contact: 4yfn@bnetwork.com.
• Accessible Accommodations: Partners provide adapted rooms; contact for mobility aids.

Reviews

• “4YFN 2025 launched our fintech—won Awards and inked investor deals!” — Founder
• “Elite networking with GSMA; Barcelona’s energy supercharges startup vibes.” — VC
• “From pitches to partnerships, it’s MWC’s innovation heartbeat.” — Tech Exec