> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # SoftBank to debut at MWC 2027 with new tech verticals - URL: https://barna.news/softbank-to-debut-at-mwc-2027-with-new/ - Published: 2026-11-05T08:38:48.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-05T08:52:04.000Z - Description: The Mobile World Congress returns to Barcelona in March 2027 with expanded sectors in health, automotive and aviation, and the first-time participation of Japanese telecoms giant SoftBank. - Author: Barna.News News Desk - Tags: Economy & Finance, Trending Now ## SoftBank joins MWC for first time The GSMA has confirmed that SoftBank Corp, the Japanese telecommunications and technology conglomerate, will make its debut as an exhibitor at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2027\. The announcement was made by GSMA Spain General Director Laia Ripoll and GSMA Ltd President and CEO John Hoffman at a press event in Barcelona on Wednesday 4th November 2026\. SoftBank will occupy one of the largest stands among telecom operators at the event, showcasing AI-driven connectivity solutions for carriers. This marks a significant expansion in the range of global telecom players participating in MWC, which will take place from Monday 1st to Thursday 4th March 2027 at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue. The company joins returning industry leaders including Telefónica, Vodafone, Orange, Deutsche Telekom and SK Telecom. --- ## Three new thematic verticals launched MWC 2027 will introduce three dedicated technology spaces focusing on high-growth sectors: Connect Health, Connect Auto, and Connect Aviation. These aim to bring together industry innovators and real-world implementers of next-generation connected technologies. Connect Health, developed in collaboration with the Mobile World Capital (MWCapital) foundation, will link clinical healthcare needs with emerging technologies. Confirmed participants include AstraZeneca, Garmin Health, HPE, Medtronic and the National University Health System (NUHS). A dedicated press conference on this vertical will be held on Thursday 5th November. Connect Auto will spotlight software-defined vehicles and intelligent transport systems, with a focus on electric and connected mobility. Exhibitors include Chery Mobility Iberia, which will display the Omoda 4, and AVATR Technology, set to unveil its 06T and 07L electric models ahead of their European launch. Connect Aviation evolves from the 2026 ‘Airport of the Future’ initiative, broadening its scope to the entire civil aviation sector. Participation is limited to non-defence applications, Hoffman confirmed. Organisations involved include Cranfield University, the only European university that owns and operates an airport, alongside Imagine Wireless, Barch, Seamless Air Alliance and Starlink, which will return as an exhibitor. --- ## Speaker line-up and space constraints Among the first confirmed speakers for MWC 2027 are Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of AI voice platform ElevenLabs, and Tarek Mansour, co-founder and CEO of prediction market Kalshi. Other speakers include Anima Anandkumar of Caltech, Amy Webb of the Future Today Institute, Dr Hany Farid of GetReal Security, and Yoon Young Park, CEO of KT Corporation. Despite strong demand, exhibition space remains limited. Hoffman acknowledged that “the demand from exhibitors is very high, and we probably won’t be able to meet all of it,” estimating a 15% to 18% rotation of exhibitors this year. He reiterated anticipation for Hall Zero, Fira Gran Via’s planned expansion, which is expected to be completed by 2028\. When asked whether the Talent Arena, currently held at Montjuïc, would integrate into MWC by then, as 4YFN did previously, Hoffman responded: “Maybe. We know the answer, but we can’t say it yet.” --- *Sources:* [*viaempresa.cat*](https://www.viaempresa.cat/economia/tres-nous-verticals-arribada-softbank-primeres-novetats-mwc-2027%5F2243010%5F102.html?ref=barna.news)*,* [*expansion.com*](https://www.expansion.com/catalunya/2026/11/04/mwc-2027-suma-softbank-chery-tendra-espacios-salud-aviacion-motor.html?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Talent Arena 2027 to Feature Tech Icons](https://barna.news/talent-arena-2027-to-feature-tech-icons/)