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

The Power of Datafication, a handbook on enterprise digital transformation, was officially released

Published

on

By

FRANKFURT, Germany, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On October 17, 2024, The Power of Datafication made its debut at Frankfurter Buchmesse, the premier global book fair, organized by Digital China. The insightful tome, published by LID Publishing, offers a comprehensive global outlook and examines China’s digital transformation landscape. Authored by Guo Wei, a prominent business leader in the global technology sector and a digital transformation strategist, the book presents an AI-driven Data Cloud Integration in an innovative way.

The Power of Datafication has been hailed as a landmark in the digital era. In a groundbreaking move, Guo Wei argues that the digital era is not a mere extension of the industrial age, but the emergence of an entirely new one.

Moreover, Guo Wei, leveraging his three decades of proficiency in China’s digital transformation journey, identifies four avenues for business digitization. His insights empower business leaders to grasp the essence of digitalization and excel in the digital epoch. Serving as a bespoke reference framework and practical guide, the book is an invaluable tool for global businesses navigating the digital tide and a must-read for anyone striving for innovation and excellence.

F. Warren McFarlan, Albert H. Gordon Professor of Business Administration and Emeritus Professor at Harvard University, remarked that The Power of Datafication is heavily informed by technology applications being developed both in China and the West.  It stands as an invaluable resource for strategic planners and CEOs.

In the preface, Julian Birkinshaw, former Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, emphasized that Guo Wei’s insights on Data Cloud Integration, middle platforms, and AI generated content are particularly notable in discussing the way AI will actually change the business world.

The Power of Datafication positions AI-driven Data Cloud Integration as a game-changing innovation in information technology, one that is likely to drive new developments worldwide. It integrates excellence from a myriad of companies and academic institutions in the United States, Australia, and Europe, stands as a beacon of thought that inspires innovation.

Since its debut in June 2022, the Chinese edition has sold nearly 100,000 copies, consistently topping book sales charts and claiming dozens of prestigious book awards. It has emerged as one of China’s most renowned and popular works on business digital transformation. This launch marks the book’s first translation and international publication.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2534354/Digital_China_guowei.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-power-of-datafication-a-handbook-on-enterprise-digital-transformation-was-officially-released-302280288.html

Continue Reading

Technology

U.S. Department of Energy Awards Highland Electric Fleets’ Project Approximately $10.9 Million in Cost-share Funding to Accelerate Vehicle-to-Grid Services

Published

on

By

BEVERLEY, Mass., Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Grid Deployment Office has selected the Scaling Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Integration Nationally (SVIN) project to receive approximately $10.9 million in cost-share funding to accelerate V2G adoption across the country. The project – a partnership between Highland Electric Fleets, the leading provider of school bus fleet electrification-as-a-service, 12 utility providers, and other supporting partners and educational institutions will deploy 14 V2G pilot projects nationwide utilizing electric school buses.

V2G technology allows electric vehicles to discharge energy back to the grid when utilities need it and can provide emergency support to buildings and community centers. As mobile distributed batteries, V2G-enabled vehicles can enhance grid flexibility and resilience, reduce expensive distribution system upgrades, decrease peaker plant emissions, and increase renewable energy integration. To date, V2G deployment has not scaled nationally due to a lack of utility programs that recognize the value of V2G services. The SVIN project’s goal is to provide utilities and their regulators with the experience and data necessary to create and accelerate commercial V2G programs. 

“Highland Electric Fleets has pioneered V2G projects that help stabilize the grid and provide emergency power using electric school buses—an ideal vehicle for V2G services due to their prevalence, consistent short trips, and long dwell times,” said Matt Stanberry, VP of Market Development at Highland Electric Fleets. “Now, with this generous grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and in collaboration with our utility partners, we can further demonstrate how V2G can help ensure communities have access to affordable and reliable electricity when and where they need it.” 

The funds are part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, the federal government’s single largest direct investment into critical grid infrastructure. Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, the GRIP Program leverages federal and private investments to support a reliable grid that is prepared for extreme weather while also delivering affordable, clean energy and creating local economic opportunities.

“As extreme weather events continue to stress electric systems across the country, the Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool in the toolbox to make sure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power,” said Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy. “Highland Electric Fleet’s innovative collaboration with utilities to deploy V2G technologies will enhance grid flexibility and resilience, reduce expensive distribution system upgrades, and increase clean energy integration while ensuring customers have access to affordable and reliable electricity.”

The SVIN program will build a series of V2G electric school bus pilots with Highland, its project team, and utility partners from around the country so that the utilities can use the experience to design programs. Based on the pilots, SVIN will develop a V2G Policy and Program Toolkit, providing scalable utility program designs and best practices for implementing V2G technology. Additionally, SVIN will create data-driven, standardized metrics to assess the value of V2G assets. By integrating real-time data from utilities and vehicle operators, SVIN aims to help grid operators optimize program design to better serve their customers. Highland will draw on its own expertise and experience, as well as leverage technical partner Dynamic Organics, and policy and program experts Tierra Resource Consulting, The Climate Center, Colorado State University, and Zero Net Energy Alliance.

The project will support an estimated 778 construction, installation, and utility jobs, drawing resources from local unions, utility teams, and fleet operators. Seven project sites are located in Disadvantaged Communities, and four will add vehicle-to-building capacity along with some combination of storage and solar to support community centers.

To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Energy Grid Deployment Office’s website.

About Highland Electric Fleets
Highland Electric Fleets is the leading provider of electrification-as-a-service for school districts, governments, and fleet operators in North America. Founded in 2019, Highland offers a unique suite of products that make it simple and affordable to upgrade to electric fleets today. Active in 30 states and Canada, Highland is responsible for the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and the largest electric school bus project in the United States to date. To learn more, visit www.highlandfleets.com.

Media Contacts
Chris Orlando | Highland
Chris.Orlando@highlandfleets.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-department-of-energy-awards-highland-electric-fleets-project-approximately-10-9-million-in-cost-share-funding-to-accelerate-vehicle-to-grid-services-302279920.html

SOURCE Highland Electric Fleets

Continue Reading

Technology

Race to the Top: Bybit Adds $1 Million to WSOT 2024 Prize Pool – Final Days to Register!

Published

on

By

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 18, 2024 /CNW/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, makes another statement in rewarding excellence in trading. The exchange has added 1,000,000 USDT for top performing squads in the World Series of Trading (WSOT). This latest boost will reward 27 additional teams on the Squad Leaderboard and Regional Squad Leaderboards, giving more squads a better chance to claim exclusive rewards up to 10% of the total WSOT prize pool.

From now to Oct. 31, 10AM UTC, the best performing squads may get a head start in their race to unlock a 1,000,000 USDT prize pool. The prestigious prizes are reserved for elite players for a limited time only. Expanding the rewards spectrum for extraordinary yield seekers outside of the top ten and top three lists, the freshly unlocked prize pool gives more high-performing teams their due recognition, and a chance to secure bigger awards.

New Booster Prize Pool Breakdown

1.Squad Leaderboard by PnL(%)

Ranks 11-20: 21,000 USDT per squadRanks 21-30: 16,000 USDT per squad

2.Regional Squad Leaderboards by PnL(%)

Ranks 4-10 in each region: 10,000 USDT per squad

WSOT 2024: Higher Stakes, Bigger Rewards

Squads leading the competition now face even higher stakes. The last ones standing in top positions throughout the remaining days stand to earn significantly more, thanks to the expanded prize structure.

Since its launch, WSOT has become the premier crypto trading competition, with one breakout year after another. In 2024, the total prize pool increased by 2,000,000 USDT, reaching a record 10,000,000 USDT, making WSOT not only the longest running competition of its kind in crypto, but also the most rewarding rendition by far. With 13 days remaining in the competition period of WSOT, over 70,000 participants have already unlocked more than 60% of the total pool as of Oct. 18.

Final registration for WSOT 2024 closes in two days. Sign up for crypto‘s flagship trading competition for a chance to claim a share of the 10,000,000 USDT prize pool: WSOT 2024.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #WSOT2024

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/race-to-the-top-bybit-adds-1-million-to-wsot-2024-prize-pool–final-days-to-register-302280246.html

SOURCE Bybit

Continue Reading

Trending