€20,000 cash prize and the chance to take your startup to a global stage are up for grabs as 4YFN’s investor panel searches for the next big names in tech.

The search for the next generation of tech leaders is on.  

Applications for the 4YFN27 Awards are now open, giving digital startups from around the world the opportunity to showcase their businesses, connect with investors, and take home €20,000. 

Taking place in Barcelona from 1- 4 March 2027, 4YFN brings together startups, investors, corporates and innovators from across the global technology community. 4YFN27 will be squarely focused on Powering Startups, with the annual 4YFN Awards set to celebrate the startups developing the technologies, products and solutions shaping the future.  

Applications are now open across five categories:  

  • Climate Tech: We’re looking for the startups accelerating climate impact with solutions ready to be showcased to investors, enterprises and policymakers driving the green transition. 
  • Connectivity: Are you scaling a technology which is powering today and tomorrow's connected world?  
  • Digital Horizons: If you’re on the cutting edge, even among the startups, and directly shaping the next generation of breakthrough technologies and digital innovation – we’re keen to hear from you.  
  • Fintech: If you’re rethinking how finance gets done, apply now, and prep to position your company in front of leading fintech investors, financial institutions and innovation partners. 
  • Health Tech: Perfect for startups transforming the future of healthcare, whether that’s through Digital health, AI healthcare, biotech, diagnostics, clinical innovation, medtech. 

The route to winning the 4YFN27 Awards 

Step 1: Apply 

  • Review the evaluation criteria and Rules of Entry – available here.  
  • Enter here by 26 October 2026, 17:00 CET. 

Step 2: Make the Top 20 

  • A panel of investors will review all entries and select the Top 20 startups. Each shortlisted company will receive a €1,500 cash prize and a free exhibition pod for four days at 4YFN27.  
  • Top 20 startups will also benefit from inclusion in the 4YFN Startup data and insights platform, in partnership with Dealroom.co, accessible to attending investors and VIPs, as well as invitations to activities with investors and other members of the startup ecosystem. 
  • Most importantly, this is a direct opportunity to showcase your business to the global tech community attending 4YFN and MWC Barcelona. 

Step 3: Pitch Competition  

  • The Top 20 will have the opportunity to pitch their startups on the 4YFN stage during the Semi-Finals, to an audience of investors, tech leaders, founders and 4YFN attendees.  
  • Five finalists - one from each category - will then be selected to compete in the 4YFN27 Awards Ceremony. The five finalists will pitch live on the 4YFN main stage to a panel of investors, who will select the overall 4YFN27 Awards Winner. 
  • Each finalist will receive a €2,500 cash prize, while the winner will take home a €20,000 cash prize, courtesy of the GSMA Foundry1.  

Last year’s awards were won by Biorce, who were also recognised by Dealroom.co as the breakout AI startup at 4YFN26. Find out more about Biorce here. 

Think you could be crowned the 4YFN27 Awards winner? Find out more information and start your application here. 

Where else can you get involved? 

Register your interest here to be notified when registration opens. 

Founders and innovators can now apply to speak on the 4YFN stage, sharing their ideas, expertise and insights with the 4YFN community. Applications close 5 November 2026, 23:00 CET.  

Become a 4YFN exhibitor – putting you in front of investors, corporates and decision-makers. Find out more here. 

-ENDS- 

Notes to Editors 

1 Cash prizes are non-cumulative with lower category cash prize. 

About the GSMA 
The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop, and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy; tackling today’s biggest societal challenges; underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work; and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events. 

Media contact 
GSMA Press Office 
pressoffice@gsma.com

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