Tuesday, March 11, 2025
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Mobile World Congress (MWC), the annual event held once again in Barcelona, isn't just a showcase of the most groundbreaking technological innovations. Through its stands and conferences, the event also promotes a more sustainable technology ecosystem and society to reduce environmental impact.
Today’s technological innovation works hand in hand with sustainability, respect for nature, and environmental conservation, all with the goal of leaving behind a better planet for future generations. In this spirit, the stands at the latest edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC), held in Barcelona from March 3rd to 6th, were filled with forward-thinking initiatives. Let's take a look at the most notable ones.
We begin with a laptop prototype that charges in just 20 minutes using solar power. The Lenovo Yoga Solar PC features solar panels on its case that work even in low light conditions or while the device is in use. According to its developers, this charging time provides enough power for an hour of video playback. Importantly, the integrated solar panels don't make the device heavy or bulky—the model on display is just 15 millimeters thick and weighs slightly over 1.2 kilograms.
Startups developing clean energy technology
In addition to the major tech companies that unveil their groundbreaking devices at MWC each year, the Fira de Barcelona also offers a platform for startups with innovative solutions focused on sustainability.
4FYN Barcelona 2025, a parallel event to MWC for startups and entrepreneurs, attracts investors and public institutions interested in these innovative companies. This year's 4FYN featured several companies showcasing clean energy technologies, including NanoChronia and UniScool.
On their homepage, NanoChronia asks a simple question: "If gas emissions are causing climate change, how can we detect and control these dangerous gases?" Their answer comes in the form of graphene and perovskite nanosensors designed to monitor harmful emissions like methane. Their goal is to provide early warning of dangerous situations and, ultimately, reduce emissions.
NanoChronia was founded at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona. Eric Navarrete, one of the company's co-founders and CTO, explained that a wireless system controls these sensors to map gas concentrations, detect leaks, and trigger alerts when certain thresholds are exceeded. Navarrete also highlighted the company's broader mission to contribute to the ecological transition through green hydrogen energy solutions.
Meanwhile, UniScool introduced its liquid cooling system at MWC. According to their website, their heat removal technology reduces energy consumption for data center cooling by 70% compared to other technologies such as jet impingement. The system can also be used in electric vehicles to enhance vehicle performance and extend battery life. The system works by using small fin-like components or valves that respond to temperature changes to extract heat. By activating only when and where needed, the system also reduces energy consumption.
Sustainability initiatives extended beyond company stands to other areas of the Fira. Aigües de Barcelona, the company responsible for water supply in the city's metropolitan area, installed 30 water fountains where attendees could refill bottles with tap water and help reduce waste. Digital screens were also set up to display the volume of local water consumed and the amount of waste avoided through this initiative.
Improving mobility in the hospitality sector through technology
The congress also provided a platform to rethink the movement of goods in a crucial sector for the city—hospitality.
The Barcelona Innova Lab Mobility, an urban mobility laboratory sponsored by the Barcelona City Council, announced an urban innovation challenge during MWC. The initiative aims to improve freight mobility for the city's hospitality, restaurant, and catering (HORECA) sector, with the goal of reducing the sector's freight distribution emissions by 50% by 2030.
The innovative solutions will target areas such as freight distribution organization and scheduling, with the ability to be rapidly implemented and scalable.
In the statement announcing the challenge, Mobile World Capital CEO Francesc Fajula emphasized that "technology and innovative solutions are key tools” in tackling issues with social and environmental impact, such as optimizing urban freight distribution in Barcelona. The examples highlighted throughout this report show that MWC closed its 2025 edition with a clear awareness of the environment and the society it serves.
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