Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) will launch a new health-focused programme, Connect Health, in its 2027 edition, as first reported by Viaempresa. Organised by GSMA Ltd. and Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), the initiative will occupy 1,400 square metres in Hall 7 and include dedicated activities in Hall 8 at 4YFN, a startup and innovation event.
Laia Corbella, chief executive of MWCapital, told Viaempresa: “We want the white coat to come to Mobile,” outlining a vision to co-create the hospital of the future. The event will feature over 70 speakers, including Rafael Grossmann, a pioneer in digital health, Lucien Engelen of Transform.Health, and Tara Donnelly, founder of Digital Care and former digital director of NHSX.
Integrated Approach to Health Tech
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., told Viaempresa that while health has appeared in past MWC events, Connect Health marks the first time the sector will be addressed with an integrated approach. The programme will focus on four pillars: artificial intelligence and data, transformation of care models, research and development of new treatments, and prevention and wellbeing.
Special sessions at 4YFN will support early-stage innovators, with startup showcases, networking opportunities, and practical demonstrations aimed at accelerating adoption into healthcare systems.
Catalonia’s Growing Health-Tech Ecosystem
The push reflects Catalonia’s strong life sciences sector, which includes 1,650 companies, 93.4% based in Barcelona, and hosts 17 of the world’s 20 largest pharmaceutical and medical technology firms. The sector supports 306,781 jobs across the region.
Sources: Viaempresa.
