Barcelona tech community shows its ‘spirit’ after MWC cancelation

"Nothing can stop us now." That was the message from Barcelona’s tech community at Tech Spirit Barcelona, an event that grew organically following the cancelation of Mobile World Congress (MWC) and its spinnoff Four Years from Now (4YFN) due to coronavirus concerns.

The alternative event, which launched at the city’s famous 'La Boqueria' market on La Rambla on Sunday, is expected to attract 5,000 people over three main days of talks and conferences.

Although on a much smaller scale than the Mobile World Congress, the event has secured some big names, including world-famous Catalan chef Ferran Adrià of El Bulli and the founders of some of Catalonia’s most successful startups such as Glovo and eDreams.

The organisers Barcelona Tech City describe the event as "a spontaneous joint action by the entrepreneurial community" and it has gained support from the city council, the Catalan Government, Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and MWC organisers Mobile World Capital.

Over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, 1,000 meetings between 450 companies are to take place, promoted by Catalonia Trade & Investment (known as ACCIÓ in Catalan). 

40% of the companies with a presence at Tech Spirit Barcelona are international, the vast majority European.

Tech Spirit Barcelona runs until Thursday, February 27, in Llotja de Mar and other venues throughout the city.