Barcelona is once again the meeting point where ideas are put to the test. From 2 al 5 March 20264YFN (4 Years From Now) returned within the framework of MWC Barcelona as one of the most important international platforms for startups, investors, and technology corporations. Four intense days where the important thing is not just "being there," but connect: detect opportunities, test hypotheses, open conversations and come away with actionable learnings.
In this edition, Inrobics He participated from the space of the Spain Pavilion, thanks to the support of ICEX and Red.eswithin an environment designed precisely for what generates the most value in events like this: high-impact connections.
A 4YFN focused on opportunities (which turn into actions)
4YFN brings together thousands of founders, venture capital funds, accelerators, innovation hubs, and large companies with one clear objective: find projects with real growth potentialThe program combines keynotes, panels, thematic sessions, pitches and networking designed to make conversations quickly move from "interesting" to "let's do something".
For those of us who work in applied innovation —especially in sectors where impact is measured in tangible results— these meetings are a way to take the pulse of the market: what is mature, what is trending, what is starting and what is falling behind.
Spain Pavilion: when design speaks of what happens inside
This year, the Spain Pavilion It was not only a physical space, but a well-executed metaphor: its motifs inspired by a neural network These elements supported the central idea of the event for the Spanish ecosystem: create connections that propel startups to grow, scale, and internationalize.
And that narrative was reflected in the actual activity of the pavilion:
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Networking opportunities development and exploration of agreements
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Meetings with partners, investors and potential clients
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Demos of product and concepts in different phases
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Much networking useful (the kind that doesn't stay on cards)
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Sessions and pitch with a focus on growth and internationalization
With 48 exhibiting startups y more than 70 national and international speakersThe space organized by ICEX and Red.es was one of the busiest spots, in an edition that also featured More attendees than ever before.
What we take away from Inrobics
Participating in 4YFN is, above all, an opportunity to listen and compare: Understanding where the priorities of the decision-makers (investors, partners, institutions, corporations) lie, and how collaborations that accelerate technological adoption are being built.
In our case, the value was:
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Conversations that help to fine-tune messages and positioning in an international context
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Identification of synergies with potential organizations and partners
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Clear readings about where the ecosystem is evolving in AI, healthtech and social impact
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A powerful reminder: innovation that scales is innovation that it integratesIt is understood and builds trust
A closing with a feeling of progress
Some events are showcases. And some events are... palanca4YFN, when lived with intention, belongs to the second group: it forces you to leave with clearer ideas, more relevant contacts, and more defined next steps.
We return with the feeling that the Spanish innovation ecosystem is at a particularly exciting juncture: more connections, greater capacity for collaboration, and a stronger ambition to internationalize. And we are motivated to continue building, conversation by conversation, what truly drives innovation forward. set it in motion.
