The 4YFN Awards 2027, organized by GSMA 4YFN Event Management, S.L., is an international competition recognizing innovative digital startups with the potential to transform industries and create global impact. Held during 4YFN at MWC Barcelona 2027, the competition offers startups a unique platform to showcase their solutions, connect with investors and industry leaders, gain international visibility, and compete for a €20,000 grand prize.
Program Overview
- Organizer: GSMA 4YFN Event Management, S.L.
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Event Dates: 1–4 March 2027
- Target Regions: Global
- Target Stage: Stage Agnostic (commercially launched startups)
- Focus: Digital innovation and technology-driven solutions
Competition Categories
The competition will select 20 outstanding startups across five categories:
- Connect Health: Digital health and healthcare innovation.
- Fintech: Financial technology and digital financial solutions.
- Climate Tech: Technologies addressing environmental and climate challenges.
- Connectivity: Innovations advancing digital connectivity.
- Digital Horizons: Emerging digital technologies and cross-sector innovations.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be legally incorporated startups founded in September 2019 or later.
- Have a digital solution already launched and commercially available.
- Operate in an eligible country under applicable trade sanctions requirements.
- Demonstrate innovation, market traction, growth potential, and measurable impact.
- Be available to participate in person at 4YFN Barcelona if selected among the Top 20.
Prizes & Benefits
Top 20 Startups:
- €1,500 cash prize.
- Free exhibition pod for four days at 4YFN 2027.
- Four event passes and a live pitching opportunity.
- Access to investors, media representatives, and startup ecosystem leaders.
- Inclusion in the 4YFN Startup Catalogue.
Five Finalists:
- €2,500 cash prize.
- Opportunity to pitch on the main 4YFN stage.
- International visibility and promotional coverage.
- GSMA Foundry Showcase package.
Overall Winner:
- €20,000 cash prize.
- Free exhibition stand at 4YFN 2028.
- Four complimentary passes for 4YFN 2028.
- International media exposure and dedicated promotional opportunities.
Cash prizes are non-cumulative and subject to the competition rules.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on innovation, traction, scalability, impact, and team fit. The Top 20 startups will compete in live semi-finals on 1 March 2027, with five finalists advancing to the grand finale on 3 March 2027.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 October 2026, 17:00 GMT+1
- Top 20 Notifications: 12–18 November 2026
- Semi-Finals: 1 March 2027
- Grand Finale: 3 March 2027
Are you building a digital solution with global potential? The 4YFN Awards 2027 offer an opportunity to accelerate your startup's visibility, engage with international investors, build strategic connections, and gain recognition within the global innovation ecosystem. Eligible startups are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and take the opportunity to compete on one of the world's leading startup stages.