Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital) has launched the first edition of Talent Arena, the largest event in Europe dedicated to digital talent. This event, taking place at Fira Montjuïc until March 5, brings together professionals from the tech sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the digital future, covering key topics such as generative artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and the evolution of software development.
A Space for Innovation and Talent Acquisition
Talent Arena was created in response to the growing demand for professionals in the ICT sector, which in Europe boasts approximately 10 million tech experts. In Barcelona, the number of workers in this sector has significantly increased in recent years, reaching 122,000 employees in 2024, double the number from 2018.
The event, organized by Mobile World Capital Barcelona, is part of MWC Barcelona 2025, and aims to strengthen the city’s digital ecosystem through a space for learning, networking, and professional development.
According to Francesc Fajula, CEO of MWCapital, Talent Arena becomes a key component of the conference, connecting professionals with companies and contributing to the training of the next generation of tech talent in Europe.
Top-Level Speakers and the Challenges of the Digital Future
One of the main attractions of the event is its conference program, featuring 200 international speakers who are leaders in the industry. Among the experts participating are influential figures such as:
- Garry Kasparov, chess master and artificial intelligence expert
- Pilar Manchón, senior engineering director at Google
- Antonio Torralba, director of Artificial Intelligence at MIT
- Nate Gentile, tech communicator and entrepreneur
- Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple
- Cassie Kozyrkov, former chief decision scientist at Google
- Xavier Amatriain, vice president of product at Google
- Lauren Lyons, former development engineer at SpaceX
The talks will address strategic topics for the tech sector, such as digital sovereignty in Europe, the impact of AI over the last decade, challenges in talent management, and the influence of quantum computing on technological development. Discussions will also focus on the importance of inclusive leadership and the convergence of artificial intelligence and programming.
Workshops, Mentorship, and Developer Events
In addition to the conferences, Talent Arena offers a comprehensive activity program, which includes:
- 45 programming workshops, where attendees can learn about the latest trends in software development.
- Mentorship sessions with industry professionals, aimed at guiding new talents in their professional growth.
- GSMA Open Gateway DevCon, a key event for developers that will bring together major companies to share best practices and live demonstrations about network-based API services.
An Essential Meeting Place for the Tech Sector
With its inaugural edition, Talent Arena establishes itself as a vital event for professionals, companies, and organizations looking to anticipate the challenges of the digital future and lead innovation in their fields.
The event is supported by GSMA, the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Administration, the Government of Catalonia, and the City Council of Barcelona, as well as backing from major companies like CaixaBank, Schneider Electric, Seidor, Salesforce, and Eurofirms.
Talent Arena not only strengthens Barcelona’s position as a leading tech hub but also underscores the importance of investing in training and talent development to ensure the sustainable growth of the digital sector in Europe.