TA: MWC Barcelona 2026: entering the IQ Era

Every February/March, Barcelona becomes the centre of thought leadership, innovation, and global strategy as the countdown to Mobile World Congress begins.

This year, MWC will run from 2 to 5 March 2026. The official theme for 2026 is “The IQ Era”, in which connectivity and intelligence converge to shape the next decade of digital transformation.

2026 will be my 9th year attending in person. Each edition brings something new. This year, the foundational technologies are solid, and the question is how AI, networks, space tech, and immersive experiences translate into real-world impact.

Here is my take ahead of MWC 2026.

The full research note was posted first in the publication "Tomorrow's Affairs" on Feb 8th 2026