The European Innovation Council (EIC) is inviting EIC-supported start-ups, SMEs, and scale-ups to take part in the EIC Pavilion at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, the world’s leading event for mobile, wireless, and digital technologies, taking place from 2 to 5 March 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. This is your chance to accelerate your growth, expand your network, and demonstrate your breakthrough tech on a global stage alongside the biggest names in telecom and digital innovation.
Application deadline: 1st September 2025
What’s in it for you?
MWC is where innovation meets opportunity. In 2025, the event brought together over 109,000 attendees, including more than 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors and partners representing companies from 205 countries, and covered sessions on topics like 5G/6G rollout, AI integration, XR, cybersecurity, and sustainable digital infrastructure.
Curious about the experience? See how the EIC delegation made an impact at MWC 2025.
Being part of the EIC Pavilion at MWC 2026, you will:
- Showcase your solutions to an international audience of telecom operators, device manufacturers, developers, and investors.
- Gain access to exclusive EIC matchmaking and mentoring programmes tailored to your needs.
- Present your technology to industry leaders and potential partners ready to collaborate or invest.
Supported by the EIC, the selected companies will have a unique platform to present their leading innovations. Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of digital and telecom technology.
Selection comes with a package designed to maximise your impact:
- Premium exhibition space in the EIC Pavilion, with a fully equipped booth;
- Tailored matchmaking meetings with industry leaders, investors, and potential partners;
- Onsite expert mentoring and business coaching focused on go-to-market and scaling strategies;
- Speaking and pitching slots at MWC events and the EIC Pavilion stage;
- Custom promotional support including press visibility and marketing materials;
- Invitations to exclusive workshops on market trends, investment readiness, and innovation scaling.
Are you ready to make an impact? Join us at MWC 2026!
Is this programme for you?
For MWC 2026, the EIC is looking for EIC-backed SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups looking to develop their business in Europe and beyond by:
- Identifying business opportunities;
- Increasing sales and revenue;
- Expanding product reach and distribution networks;
- Building meaningful business relationships with potential investors, distributors, customers, etc.;
- Gaining insights into industry trends and current market conditions.
Developing innovative technologies in:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud and mobile solutions
- FinTech, Blockchain and digital currencies
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Quantum Computing
- Smart Cities
- Telecom and 5G
Application process
After logging in with your EU-Login credentials, please fill in the application form and answer all the questions.
You will be assessed on the following criteria:
- The expected impact of your participation to the trade fair.
- The fit of your innovative products and services with the trade fair.
- Your commitment of financial and human resources for participation to a trade fair.
- Your contribution to EU strategic autonomy and/or the image of the EU as technology powerhouse.
Please note that you are required to submit a 4-slide pitch deck as part of your application (see instructions in the online application form). The information you provide will be shared with external experts to maximise potential benefits and the impact of your participation.
The EIC team will then contact all applicants once the selection process has been concluded and inform each applicant of the outcome of their application.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations will only be considered in duly documented cases of “force majeure”. Unjustified cancellation can lead to exclusion from future EIC Business Acceleration Services’ initiatives.
About the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0
The EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 supports the internationalisation of European SMEs, scale-ups and start-ups, building on the success of its predecessor, the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme (OTF) 2.0. If you’re interested in knowing more about the programme and our open calls, please visit our page in the EIC Community.
Stay tuned!
The EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 is an initiative of the EIC Business Acceleration Services. Stay tuned on upcoming calls and find additional information through our news, stories, and programme-related trade fairs available via the EIC Community Platform and the EIC Business Acceleration Services newsletter.
Need help?
Contact us through the EIC Community Helpdesk (select the category EVENT- EIC ITF Programme – MWC 2026 as the subject).
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.