Telefónica and Wayra: Pioneering the Future of Tech at MWC Barcelona
Telefónica is set to make a significant splash at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, alongside its corporate venture capital arm, Wayra. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Wayra is reinforcing its commitment to identifying and investing in groundbreaking startups that can integrate with and enhance Telefónica’s business operations. This year’s presence highlights a new phase for Wayra, focused on bringing innovative solutions to the forefront of the telecommunications industry.
AI Takes Center Stage: From Agentic AI to Real-World Deployments
Artificial intelligence is poised to be a dominant theme at MWC, and Telefónica is actively showcasing its advancements in this field. Agustín Moro, Innovation Services Managing Director, will participate in a panel discussion exploring how “agentic AI” is reshaping telecommunications, impacting network management, decision-making, and innovation. This signifies a move beyond traditional AI towards systems capable of independent action and problem-solving.
Sebas Muriel, Chief Digital Officer at Telefónica, will delve into the challenges of scaling disruptive technologies, focusing on the industrialization of AI, cybersecurity, connectivity, and digital platforms. The conversation will explore how to combine the agility of startups with the execution capabilities of established corporations.
Further emphasizing AI’s importance, Pablo Moro, Managing Director of Wayra Ventures, will lead a session on real-world AI deployments already delivering measurable business results. This focus on tangible outcomes underscores a shift from theoretical potential to practical application.
Cybersecurity: A Growing Priority in a Connected World
With increasing digital threats, cybersecurity is another key area of focus. Several startups showcased by Wayra directly address this challenge. Kymatio develops solutions to protect industrial systems and critical networks, while Red Sift automates email and domain authentication to combat phishing and brand abuse. LuxQuanta is developing quantum cryptography-based cybersecurity solutions, aiming to protect digital communications from future threats. Osmium focuses on protecting systems in the space and aviation sectors.
Gonzalo Pérez, Head of Investments at Wayra Germany, will participate in a session dissecting the real investment strategies in the cybersecurity landscape for 2026, acknowledging the increasing geopolitical complexities.
Beyond AI and Cybersecurity: Connectivity, Customer Experience, and More
Telefónica’s innovation extends beyond AI, and cybersecurity. Startups like Beegol are focused on optimizing broadband and Wi-Fi networks using AI, while Insider Navigation offers augmented reality-based positioning solutions for improved asset tracking and operational efficiency.
The “New era of customer experience” challenge, a collaboration between Santander and Telefónica, demonstrates a commitment to enhancing customer interactions through innovative solutions.
Wayra’s Investment Portfolio: A Snapshot of Innovation
Wayra has invested in over 1,200 startups with a cumulative investment exceeding €260 million. Currently, its portfolio includes 520 active startups, with over 200 already collaborating with the Telefónica Group and generating a turnover of over €700 million. At 4YFN, 26 startups from Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Brazil will showcase their solutions.
Featured Startups at 4YFN
A diverse range of startups will be featured, including:
- Mitiga: Climate risk analysis platform.
- ElevenLabs: AI-powered voice synthesis technology.
- Wise CX: Omnichannel customer service solution.
- Foliume: AI-powered automation for insurance brokers.
- Sycai Medical: AI platform for early cancer diagnosis.
Corporate Venture Capital: Fueling Innovation in Energy and Beyond
Bruno Moraes, Managing Director of Wayra Capital, will discuss how energy corporations are investing in startups and the key technologies they prioritize. This session will provide valuable insights for founders seeking corporate investment.
Building Resilient Defence Ecosystems
Telefónica representatives will also participate in discussions on integrating commercial connectivity technologies into defence architectures, highlighting the role of innovation in national security. Paloma Castellano and Jesús Abraham will be part of a roundtable discussion on this critical topic.
FAQ
Q: What is Wayra?
A: Wayra is Telefónica’s corporate venture capital arm, investing in and supporting innovative startups.
Q: Where is MWC 2026 being held?
A: MWC 2026 is being held in Barcelona.
Q: What is “agentic AI”?
A: Agentic AI refers to AI systems capable of independent action and problem-solving, going beyond traditional AI capabilities.
Q: How many startups has Wayra invested in to date?
A: Wayra has invested in over 1,200 startups.
Q: What is the total investment made by Wayra?
A: Wayra has made a cumulative investment of over €260 million.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the startups presenting at 4YFN – they represent the cutting edge of innovation in the telecommunications and technology sectors.
Explore the latest advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and connectivity at MWC Barcelona and discover how Telefónica and Wayra are shaping the future of technology.
Worth a look
