The University of Barcelona strengthens its role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem at 4YFN of the Mobile World Congress
The University of Barcelona (UB) concluded its participation in 4 Years From Now (4YFN)—the startup and entrepreneurship platform of the Mobile World Congress—with a positive balance. The event took place from March 2 to 5 at the Fira Gran Via venue in Barcelona. Over four days, the UB, through the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation and StartUB!, showcased several innovative projects with strong technological and social potential, consolidating its presence in one of the leading international spaces connecting universities, innovation and industry.
Once again, the UB had its own dedicated space at 4YFN, where it highlighted initiatives in areas such as digital health, artificial intelligence, sustainability and digital transformation. Through this participation, the UB reaffirms its role as a key player in knowledge-based entrepreneurship and technology transfer, with 67 active companies, more than 260 qualified jobs created and over €80 million in funding secured over the last five years.
TooMush start-up wins the “University Talent Pitch”
Within the framework of 4YFN, the start-up TooMush received the “University Talent Pitch: The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs” award, organized by Barcelona Activa together with Netmentora Catalunya. The project proposes a 100% plant-based alternative to meat made from lion’s mane mushroom, which is already marketed in fillet and skewer formats. The company aims to develop sustainable food products with a taste and texture similar to meat.
UB spin-offs and start-ups at 4YFN
Several spin-offs and start-ups from the University of Barcelona’s innovation ecosystem were presented at the UB stand at 4YFN. These included Electraqua Tech, OrganAID, Virmedex Virtual Experiences, Avaru, CellFlow, Nataly Life, The Blue Box, WardUs, Flavii Therapeutics, Nimble Diagnostics, BlindStairs, BlueGreen Vision, Caring Collective, FotoNEX, Link3rs and Offside Game. Other UB-linked companies such as ColorSensing, Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech, Gate2Brain and Oniria Therapeutics were also present at the congress.
BKA: a voice representing universities before Catalonia and Europe
The Barcelona Knowledge Alliance (BKA), formed by UB, UAB, UPC and UPF, was also present at 4YFN. The BKA sponsored the Universities & Spin-Offs track, a space dedicated to innovation emerging from university campuses and its potential to transform society through technology, scientific knowledge and entrepreneurship.
One of the BKA’s most notable initiatives was the session “Barcelona’s university ecosystem: where academic excellence meets startup ambition”, featuring the rectors of the four universities that make up the alliance. The debate explored the value of institutional cooperation, the role of universities in fostering entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary talent, and the transfer of research into projects with international impact.
In this context, the rector of the University of Barcelona, Joan Guàrdia, stated: “The BKA is much more than an alliance: it is a shared voice that allows us to coordinate and represent ourselves strongly before Catalonia and Europe.”
Pitch Corner and Networking & Drinks
Another notable initiative organized by the Barcelona Knowledge Alliance, which attracted strong attendance, was the BKA Pitch Corner, where several startups presented their projects to investors and industry professionals. Representing the University of Barcelona were CellFlow, Gate2Brain, Oniria Therapeutics, Avaru, ColorSensing and Fedder AI.
In addition, the BKA organized a Networking & Drinks session at the MWC Networking Hub, an event that facilitated connections between representatives from academia, entrepreneurs, investors and other key stakeholders in Barcelona’s innovation ecosystem.