Connect with us

Technology

Mobile World Capital Barcelona launches the MWCapital Awards to drive a Sustainable Digital Transformation

Published

on

This new international initiative aims to recognize innovative digital transformation projects that champion sustainability and align with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Strategic partners, GSMA Foundry and B Lab Spain, will play pivotal and advisory roles respectively to foster sustainability in the digital sphere to build a more inclusive, equitable and, therefore, more sustainable future
An international jury will select 15 finalists, who will gain international exposure, and 6 winners who will have the opportunity to showcase their work at MWC Barcelona 2026

BARCELONA, Spain, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As global attention increasingly shifts toward the intersection of technology and sustainability, Mobile World Capital Barcelona with the support of GSMA Foundry and B Lab Spain, has announced the launch of the MWCapital Awards: Technologies for a Sustainable Future. This new international initiative seeks to honour groundbreaking projects that use digital transformation to drive meaningful progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on creating a triple impact: economic, social, and environmental.

 

 

The awards reflect MWCapital’s vision of a responsible, forward-thinking digital transition, where technology acts as a catalyst for solving urgent global issues like inequality, climate change, and digital inclusion. “We believe in a future where digital innovation and sustainability are intrinsically linked,” says Francesc Fajula, CEO of Mobile World Capital Barcelona. “Through these awards, we want to recognize pioneering technological projects that are actively contributing to a more equitable and sustainable world.”

More than a simple contest, the MWCapital Awards aim to foster global collaboration around sustainability. The initiative is backed by strategic partners B Lab Spain and GSMA Foundry, both of whom will be integral to the process. In addition to serving as advisor and jury member, B Lab will offer sustainability impact workshops along with personalised action plans for the 15 finalists, while GSMA Foundry, the GSMA’s innovation hub, will leverage its global platforms to boost the visibility of winning projects.

Richard Cockle, Head of GSMA Foundry and Connected Industries at GSMA, states that: “We’re very pleased to strengthen our partnership with Mobile World Capital in such a significant area. Sustainability and working towards the SDGs is absolutely critical to the GSMA and its members. The mobile industry has already made great strides on the 17 goals but there is much work to do ahead of the 2030 deadline. We believe fostering innovation projects, and initiatives such as the MWCapital Awards, will play a critical role in the industry’s efforts to make yet more positive contributions.”

For her part, Belén Viloria, Executive Director of B Lab Spain, affirms that: “In today’s world, it is essential that companies not only innovate but also integrate sustainability into their core business strategies.” Concluding that: “We are proud to be part of this initiative as advisors, jury members, and mentors to the finalists, fostering the high standards of social and environmental performance championed by the B Corp movement. This advisory collaboration with the MWCapital Awards offers an opportunity to highlight transformative projects that drive digital transformation while creating a positive impact.”

The MWCapital Awards celebrate innovation across various sectors, recognizing contributions in five categories: Companies, Small Businesses and Startups, Non-profit or Common Interest Companies (SBIC), Academia and Research Centers, and Public Institutions. A special distinction, the Barcelona Horizon Award, will be presented to the project with the greatest potential to drive sustainability within Barcelona’s digital ecosystem. The selected project will receive support to scale, ensuring its development and broader impact within the city.

The awards will culminate in June 2025 with a ceremony in Barcelona, but their impact will extend far beyond. Winners will gain international exposure, with the opportunity to showcase their work at MWC Barcelona 2026 and participate in discussions shaping the future of digital sustainability. Also, the Barcelona Horizon Award will include a €50,000 grant to help bring the winning project’s vision to life and foster positive change in the city.

Evaluation Process and Global Call for Submissions

The road to the final stage is rigorous. Projects will undergo a two-phase evaluation process by an external international jury formed by leading figures in sustainability and innovation. Fifteen finalists will be selected and will benefit from tailored workshops designed to measure and enhance their impact before the winners of each category are chosen.

The call for submissions is now open to projects globally, with applications accepted until March 18, 2025. Eligible projects must align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, have been operational for at least 12 months, and show measurable results in advancing sustainability through technology.

With the Mobile World Capital Awards, Barcelona further cements its position as a global hub in both digital innovation and sustainable development. As MWCapital continues its mission to lead a responsible digital transition, these awards are set to inspire projects that will not only transform industries but also contribute to a more inclusive and resilient future for all.

About Mobile World Capital Barcelona

Mobile World Capital Barcelona is a public-private foundation that promotes the digital development of society to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future through the humanistic use of technology. MWCapital helps position Barcelona as a global leader in the digital sphere and consolidates the legacy of MWC throughout the year by driving initiatives in technology transfer, fostering digital talent, developing innovative technology projects with social impact, and generating knowledge. MWCapital hosts MWC in Barcelona, is the founder of 4YFN, and connects citizens with the latest digital trends through events like Jump2Digital and Tech&Play.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2531174/MWCapital_Awards.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2289657/4968910/Mobile_World_Capital_Barcelona_Logo.jpg

 

 

For more information, please contact:
Emily Henley, ehenley@mobileworldcapital.com, +34 673 004 102
Àlex Palau, a.palau@romanrm.com, +34 651 579 415 
Estela López, e.lopez@romanrm.com, +34 654 741 683
Eva Soler, e.soler@romanrm.com, +34 665 038 781

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mobile-world-capital-barcelona-launches-the-mwcapital-awards-to-drive-a-sustainable-digital-transformation-302277617.html

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Festive Season Fuels Business Optimism to Multi-Year High

Published

on

By

The Dun & Bradstreet Business Optimism Index records an increase of 20.2% (q-o-q) for Q4 2024

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dun & Bradstreet, a global leader in business decisioning data and analytics, released the Composite Business Optimism Index (BOI) for Q4 2024, which stands at 94.8, 20.2% higher than Q3 2024. All the six optimism indices have shown improvement, with optimism for net sales reaching its highest level in 15 quarters. The Dun & Bradstreet Composite Business Optimism Index, which has been measuring the changing business sentiment of India Inc. since 2002, is a leading indicator for India’s overall growth, with a correlation co-efficient of around 80% with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Highlights 

Optimism for volume of sales stands highest in 15 quarters.Optimism for net profits has improved significantly, standing at its highest level since Q1 2020.Optimism for the level of selling prices stands highest in 10 quarters.Optimism for fresh hiring of employees has improved for Q4 2024, after remaining stagnant for four consecutive quarters.The accommodation and food services sectors are the most optimistic on three out of six parameters.

Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet said, “The Dun & Bradstreet Business Optimism Index is at a high level, driven by strong consumer momentum as India enters the festive season, traditionally marked by increased spending. Businesses are set to capitalize on festive demand in Q4 2024, with selling prices expected to rise by 7 percentage points. Sales sentiment has reached a 15-quarter high, with volumes rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. Despite concerns about rising costs and inflation, profitability remains robust, indicating that businesses have adapted well. However, challenges such as fluctuating energy prices, geopolitical uncertainties, high borrowing costs and supply chain disruptions persist. Nonetheless, there is optimism for employment prospects, with renewed hiring intentions reflecting confidence in the economic recovery.”

Key findings from the Q4 2024 survey

The optimism for sales volume improved by 14 percentage points, accommodation and food services are the most optimistic.The optimism for net profits improved by 11 percentage points. To this end, the wholesale and retail trade sector is the most optimistic, while the utilities sector is the least optimistic.The optimism for level of selling prices improved by 7 percentage points, accommodation and food services are the most optimistic on this parameter, while information and communication service sector is the least optimistic.The optimism for new orders increased by 14 percentage points, accommodation and food services sector is the most optimistic, while the electric, electronic and hardware manufacturing sector is the least optimistic.The optimism for inventory levels improved by 3 percentage points, mining sector is the most optimistic on this parameter, while the metal manufacturing sector is the least optimistic.The optimism for hiring of employees improved by 8 percentage points, automobiles manufacturing sector is the most optimistic, while the food, beverages and tobacco manufacturing sector is the least optimistic.

The report can be downloaded for free from the websites of Dun & Bradstreet India (http://www.dnb.co.in/)

Notes to Editors 

The Business Optimism Index (BOI) is a quarterly survey-based index designed to measure the pulse of the Indian business community across India and has served as a reliable indicator of economy. Dun & Bradstreet surveys respondents (senior management) pan India across the Manufacturing and Services sectors, covering businesses of varying scale (large, medium and small) to calculate the BOI. Respondents are asked about their expectations (in terms of increase, decrease, or no change) regarding their company’s performance (Six BOI Parameters) in the ensuing quarter over the same quarter in the previous year.

About Dun & Bradstreet:

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit www.dnb.com.

Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions in domains of finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India’s vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity.

India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located at Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees, and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes and lower operating expenses.

Visit www.dnb.co.in for more information.

Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2534347/Dun_and_Bradstreet_Optimism_Index.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/festive-season-fuels-business-optimism-to-multi-year-high-302280214.html

Continue Reading

Technology

KONKA Showcases World’s First 110” 8K TV with Over 230,000 Backlight Zones at 136th Canton Fair

Published

on

By

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — KONKA Group Co., Ltd. (“KONKA”; 000016.SZ), a leading technology company, is presenting products that underscore its commitment to technological advancement and excellence at the first phase of the 136th Canton Fair, a pivotal event in global trade, taking place from October 15-19.

Among the standout offerings is the KONKA 110A8 Ultra Mini AI-LED TV. This technological marvel features the highest number of backlight zones in the world, with over 230,000 zones, pushing the boundaries of MiniLED technology. Each zone offers pixel-level precision in light control, resulting in incredibly detailed picture quality. By integrating advanced AI models, the TV’s picture quality algorithm and chip technology have reached new heights, allowing for precise control of these extensive backlight zones. Additionally, it comes with a HiFi Ultra SoundBar and a powerful 94-watt JBL sound system, offering an immersive 360° surround sound experience, making it a perfect choice for an unparalleled home entertainment experience.

Another highlight is the 144Hz high-refresh OLED TV, boasting 8.3 million self-illuminating pixels and a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio for stunning picture quality. Its quick response time and advanced sound separation deliver an unparalleled audiovisual experience, perfect for home entertainment enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the 100-inch MiniLED 809 TV offers a cinematic experience with its artistic design, eye-care technology, and superior sound, ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics and functionality.

Beyond its TV lineup, KONKA is introducing the H21 washing and drying set and the H22 all-in-one model, both designed for modern homes with intelligent, efficient, and quiet features. Also showcased is KONKA’s large-capacity dishwasher, which combines a spacious design with smart washing programs. It emphasizes energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, offering excellent cleaning while conserving resources.

KONKA’s strategic positioning in the home appliance industry underscores its success in technological innovation and product development. The company now offers a comprehensive range of products, including a wide selection of TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, freezers, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances. This approach diversifies revenue and enhances business synergy, enabling KONKA to excel in a competitive market.

International expansion has been crucial for KONKA’s growth, with its products now available in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and beyond. Committed to creating value, KONKA invites partners and consumers to explore its innovative products, reinforcing its dedication to excellence and growth.

Official website: www.konkaglobal.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/konka-showcases-worlds-first-110-8k-tv-with-over-230-000-backlight-zones-at-136th-canton-fair-302280217.html

SOURCE KONKA Group Co., Ltd

Continue Reading

Technology

Chiesi launches innovation platform focused on partnership and patient care: The Impulse

Published

on

By

PARMA, Italy, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Chiesi Group, a research-oriented international biopharmaceutical group, is proud to announce the official launch of The Impulse, an innovation platform designed to accelerate bold ideas and meaningful partnerships in healthcare. The Impulse aims to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing patients, planet, and people today by addressing not only healthcare symptoms but also the root causes of these challenges, such as climate change and access to care.

Empowering innovation through collaboration

The Impulse is stepping in to fill the growing demand for innovative solutions that meet the real needs of patients. By creating a collaborative space for researchers, start-ups, and innovators to work together, The Impulse is driving forward-thinking healthcare solutions—from digital health advancements to sustainable patient care models—that have the potential to transform how we think about and deliver healthcare.

“We stand at a pivotal moment for the pharmaceutical industry. This is the time to further rethink traditional models and embrace bolder, patient-centric innovation. That’s why Chiesi has created The Impulse, aiming to empower those who are driven by a passion to improve the lives of others through innovation,” said Fabrizio Conicella, Vice-President Center of Open Innovation & Competence. “We know that some of the most groundbreaking ideas come from collaboration. By providing the resources, network, and support, we aim to accelerate ideas that will have a tangible impact on patients and the world around us, perfectly in line with our Company vision.”

A commitment to patients and the planet

The launch of The Impulse is particularly timely, as the healthcare industry faces increasing pressure to rethink traditional care models. With climate change and environmental sustainability now central to global health discussions, The Impulse is committed to fostering solutions that not only improve patient outcomes but also contribute to a healthier planet.

The Impulse has already begun to attract interest from key players in the life sciences, digital health, and environmental sustainability sectors, including the Karolinska Institutet, NOME and EIT-HEALTH, with many more partnerships in the pipeline.

For more information on The Impulse and how to get involved, visit https://www.chiesi.com/en/about-us/the-impulse/.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chiesi-launches-innovation-platform-focused-on-partnership-and-patient-care-the-impulse-302279557.html

Continue Reading

Trending