Join the conversations at MWC 2026
Fresh, timely, and full of insight, MWC 2026 arrives under the banner of The IQ Era. In this new age, human intelligence and technology work hand in hand to drive smarter decisions, better outcomes, and inclusive growth across industries and society.
This year’s agenda revolves around six thought leadership themes:
AI Nexus: Generative, multimodal, and quantum-enhanced AI are moving fast. Explore hyper-personalized experiences, autonomous decision-making, responsible governance frameworks, and the rise of sovereign AI stacks. AI Nexus brings businesses, creators, and policy makers together to define the rules of this new era.
ConnectAI: Networks are getting brains as well as bandwidth. Discover how AI and machine learning are automating operations, optimizing services, and powering distributed AI at the edge. From self-optimizing radios to predictive cybersecurity, ConnectAI shows how telcos are becoming smarter, more efficient, and AI-native.
Game Changers: Big ideas start here. From space-borne networks and autonomous systems to blockchain-enabled energy markets, Game Changers spotlights the technologies ready to reshape industries. Visionary founders, investors, and scientists share insights and spark collaborations that will define the next decade.
Tech 4 All: Connectivity should empower, not exclude. This theme explores inclusive innovation, from resilient digital infrastructures and open platforms to climate-tech, digital literacy, and financing for the Global South. Discussions on policy, data rights, and tech sovereignty ensure everyone shares in the benefits of the digital economy.
AI 4 Enterprise: Every organization is now a data company. See sector-specific AI in action, boosting productivity, reducing risk, and accelerating growth. From predictive maintenance in factories to real-time fraud detection in fintech and digital twins in logistics, this theme shows how enterprise intelligence can be trusted, practical, and sustainable.
Intelligent Infrastructure: The digital backbone is evolving. Next-gen networks, AI automation, cloud and edge computing, and open architectures are turning connectivity into a strategic advantage. From 5G Advanced to satellite and quantum-ready data centres, AI-powered infrastructure boosts efficiency, scalability, and smarter, data-driven decisions.
MWC 2026 is your platform to discover emerging trends, and gain insights that are not just relevant, but essential for navigating the IQ Era.
“MWC 2026 is where the future takes shape. In the IQ Era, it’s not just about technology; it’s about how we use insight, innovation, and collaboration to solve real-world challenges. This year, the event is a live laboratory for bold ideas, smarter solutions, and inclusive growth, and we’re excited to see how the connections made here will spark the next wave of transformation.”
– Joyce Onyeagoro, Senior Editor, TechAfrica News
The session explores how the industry is unlocking the full potential of 5G while laying the groundwork for what comes next. Discussions focus on AI-native networks, next-generation infrastructure, and how operators are redefining value creation to support a more intelligent, inclusive digital economy.
Location: MWC Main Stage, Hall 4
By 2030, the number of connected devices will surpass 35 billion, creating unprecedented challenges and opportunities for telcos. This session delves into the readiness of telecom operators to meet this demand with scalable, sustainable, and secure networks.
Location: Johnson Stage, Hall 6
From smarter devices to adaptive networks, speakers unpack how this convergence is creating always-on, personalised ecosystems that learn and evolve in real time.
Speakers:
- Dr. Durga Malladi, EVP & GM, Technology Planning, Edge Solutions and Data Center , Qualcomm Technologies
- Philip Skipper, Head of Strategy, Vodafone Group
- Ricardo Lopez-Barquilla, VP, Partner Engineering, Reality Labs and AI, Meta
- Carla Gómez Cano, Co-Founder, THEKER Robotics
Location: Turing Stage, Hall 6
Data sovereignty is moving beyond compliance to become a strategic advantage. This session examines how governments, telcos, and technology partners are building trusted ecosystems that keep sensitive data secure while enabling AI innovation at scale.
Speakers:
- Jodi Baxter, Vice President of AI, Wireless, and IoT, TELUS
Location: Marconi Stage, Hall 6
From advanced chip architectures and global networks to generative coding and digital identity, this keynote brings together leaders who are defining both the possibilities and consequences of AI for technology, society, and humanity.
Speakers:
- Cristiano Amon, President & CEO, Qualcomm
- Chaobin Yang, Executive Vice President & CEO of ICT Business Group, Huawei Technologies
- Michael Weening, President & CEO
- Calix Kate Crawford, Research Professor, USC; Author of Atlas of AI
- Alex Blania, CEO & Co-Founder, Tools for Humanity
Location: MWC Main Stage, Hall 4
This session explores breakthroughs in perception, mobility, and manipulation, and examines where embodied AI will make the most impact, from warehouses and factories to healthcare and homes.
Location: Johnson Stage, Hall 6
5G Standalone (SA) and 5G Advanced (5G-A) are unlocking the full capabilities of modern networks. This session provides insights into ultra-low latency, AI-driven orchestration, network slicing, and edge innovations.
Speakers:
- Yue Wang, Chief Technologist, China Telecom
- Ivana Knyght, Vice President, Capgemini / Cambridge Consultants |
- Kaneshwaran Govindasamy, Industry Analyst, Global 5G Evolution
Location: Turing Stage, Hall 6
From network slicing and private 5G to edge computing, attendees will see how 5G is creating real-world impact across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and smart cities.
Speakers:
- Soma Velayutham, Vice President, AI & Telecoms, NVIDIA
- Anthony Goonetilleke, Group President Technology & Head of Strategy, Amdocs
- Ankur Kapoor, EVP & Chief Network Officer, T-Mobile
Location: Marconi Stage, Hall 6
AI growth depends on balancing data, compute, and energy. This session examines breakthroughs in AI-specific chips, efficiency-focused models, and advanced cooling and system designs, exploring how telcos can turn these factors into competitive advantage.
Speakers:
- Jessica Payne, Managing Director, The Raine Group
- Hieu Le-Quang, CIO, Viettel Networks
- Chris Bergey, EVP Edge AI, ARM Ltd.
Location: Turing Stage, Hall 6
From AI-native devices and macro trends to the transformation of mobile networks, the session highlights the shifts that matter, showing how AI is enabling immersive, personalised experiences and unlocking new value across industries.
Speakers:
- Benedict Evans, Analyst & Author
- Justin Hotard, President & CEO, Nokia
Location: MWC Main Stage, Hall 4
Telecom towers are evolving into intelligent, sustainable hubs that integrate advanced energy systems, on-site computing, and next-generation connectivity.
Speakers:
- Tom Greenwood, Chief Executive Officer, Helios Towers plc
Location: Marconi Stage, Hall 6
This session highlights real-world implementations and provides practical insights on leveraging AI for both improved service and operational efficiency.
Speakers:
- Nicolai Schaettgen, CEO, Match-Maker Ventures
- Vincent Pauwels, Co-founder & MX Leader, November Five
- Pietro Mangione, Managing Director Networks APAC & Telco Account Director, Accenture
Location: Johnson Stage, Hall 6
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