UPC showcases its innovative potential at 4YFN 2026

The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) had a prominent presence at 4YFN 2026 (Four Years From Now), the technology entrepreneurship event held as part of the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. Over four days, the entrepreneurial ecosystem linked to the university demonstrated its innovative potential through the participation of startups and spin-offs, pitching sessions, and various institutional activities.

16 UPC startups and spin-offs at 4YFN

A total of 16 startups and spin-offs linked to the UPC took part in the congress, presenting technological solutions in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, health, and deep tech.

• Folgrid, HyperGraph, MESAI, Muvity, Neod, Nobrac.tech, Strathens, Systellar, Criboos, Fooxy-tech, Ikusa Cybersecurity, byNeural, Bio2Coat Natural Preservation Technology, Datlantis, AYRO Solutions NASO-SHIELD, and HAPTIKA Technologies.

Furthermore, UPC-linked startups such as MICA ECO and teknoCEA also participated in project presentation sessions during the event.

Pitching sessions and international visibility

One of the highlights was the participation of several university startups in pitching sessions organised within the “Universities & Spinoffs” track, under the umbrella of the Barcelona Knowledge Alliance (BKA). During the two BKA Pitching Sessions, startups including HAPTIKA Technologies, MICA ECO, teknoCEA, Fooxy-tech, Durbec, and PlasmAccelerate presented their solutions to experts and potential investors.

Additionally, the startup Kreios Space participated in the semi-finals of the 4YFN Awards Barcelona 2026 in the Mobile Frontiers category, reinforcing the presence of UPC-linked projects on high-impact international stages. The UPC Startup Pitching Session, sponsored by Fractus, was also held, featuring eleven startups, including Muvity, Folgrid, Strathens, Datlantis, Helix AI, May One, Nobrac.tech, AYRO Solutions NASO-SHIELD, byNeural, MiWEndo Solutions, and Numerand.

Institutional support and key visits

During the congress, the UPC startups received several institutional visits, including the university's Rector, Francesc Torres, accompanied by the Vice-Rector for Transfer, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Jordi Berenguer i Sau, and the Vice-Rector for Research, Pedro Díez. The UPC stand was also visited by the Director General for Universities of the Government of Catalonia, Miquel Soriano; the Mayor of Terrassa, Jordi Ballart; the Director of the Terrassa School of Industrial, Aerospace and Audiovisual Engineering (ESEIAAT), Jordi Voltas; and the UPC Director of Institutional Relations, Mercè Franquesa Gòdia.

These visits highlighted the institutional support for entrepreneurial talent and the knowledge transfer generated at the university.

Barcelona’s universities: a university deep tech hub

Another key moment in the programme was the session “Barcelona’s University Ecosystem: Where Academic Excellence Meets Startup Ambition”, where the Rectors of the UPC, the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and Pompeu Fabra University presented the Barcelona Knowledge Alliance initiative. This project aims to position Barcelona as a global hub for scientific innovation and deep tech, linking university research with the entrepreneurial ecosystem and boosting the creation and growth of science-based startups.

The potential of the New Space sector

The event also featured a round table discussion by the ESA BIC Barcelona programme at the Barcelona Activa stand, focusing on entrepreneurship in the space sector. In this session, startups such as WaveMasters, ForestFire.app, and Nobrac.tech presented their products and technological proposals, highlighting the growth of projects linked to the space & deep tech sector.

With its participation in 4YFN 2026, the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya reaffirms its role as a driving force for innovation and knowledge transfer, connecting university research with the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the business community. The presence of UPC startups and spin-offs at an international event of this calibre consolidates the potential of the technological talent generated at the university and helps to position Barcelona as a European leader in scientific innovation and deep tech.