Applications are closing soon for the 4YFN26 Awards, the global startup competition of GSMA’s Mobile World Congress. The awards provide exceptional visibility and international exposure for emerging tech companies, with the overall winner receiving a €20,000 cash prize.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Startup Competition.
- For: Digital startups incorporated in the last 7 years.
- Key Benefits: €20,000 cash prize for the winner, global recognition, and networking with top investors.
- Application Deadline: October 22, 2025.
- Location: Global (Online application), with finals at MWC Barcelona 2026.
Competition Overview
The 4YFN Awards is the highest official recognition offered exclusively to startups during MWC Barcelona 2026. The competition aims to find the best digital startups from around the globe. From all applicants, 20 top startups across five categories will be selected and invited to Barcelona for the semi-finals. Five finalists will then be chosen to pitch on the main stage, where one will be announced as the overall winner.
Prizes and Awards
The competition offers a tiered prize structure for its top startups:
- Overall Winner: Receives a €20,000 cash prize, an exhibition stand at 4YFN 2027, a GSMA Foundry showcase package, and a Mobile World Live Interview.
- Finalists (Top 5): Receive a €2,500 cash prize, an exhibition pod at 4YFN 2026, and an exclusive networking opportunity with the GSMA Strategy Group.
- Top 20 Startups: Receive a €1,500 cash prize, a 4YFN 2026 exhibition pod and event passes, a speaking opportunity, and invites to networking activities.
Award Categories
The competition features five distinct categories for digital startups:
- Fintech: Startups improving and automating financial and insurance services.
- Mobile Frontiers: Startups innovating in the telecommunications sector.
- Digital Horizons: Startups pioneering the digital transformation of traditional industries.
- Health Tech: Startups revolutionizing healthcare with AI-driven diagnostics or digital therapeutics.
- Climate Tech: Startups deploying innovative technologies to combat climate change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Startups must be duly incorporated in the last 7 years (September 2018 and onward).
- Startups must have solutions, products, or services that are commercially available.
- Applications are welcome from any sector but must be related to digital technologies.
- All required application fields must be submitted in well-written English before the deadline.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online form. The deadline is fast approaching.
The deadline to apply is 5:00 PM CEST on October 22, 2025.
Apply Here for the 4YFN26 Awards.
About 4YFN
4YFN (Four Years From Now) is the startup event of the GSMA MWC, the world’s largest and most influential exhibition for the mobile industry.
Learn More: 4YFN26 Awards
