A deep dive into the future of tech from the 4 Years From Now pavilion – satellite IoT, indoor navigation, smart charging, AI retail analytics, and more.
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona is the epicenter of mobile and connected tech, but the real gems often hide in the 4YFN (4 Years From Now) startup zone. This co-located event is where emerging companies pitch game-changing ideas to investors, corporates, and innovators. In my latest 4K walking tour and interview series, I explored the vibrant 4YFN floor, chatting with founders and demoing their breakthroughs—from AI-powered calorie counters to quantum-secure chips and autonomous forklift tech.
Watch the full video here for the on-the-ground energy: Interviews at MWC (Mobile World Congress) – 4YFN area (4 Years from Now) and Startups presenting.
Here’s a timestamped guide to the highlights—jump straight to the innovations that excite you most:
- 0:00–1:00 — Intro to satellite IoT and indoor/outdoor positioning tech—setting the stage for what’s next in connectivity.
- 1:08–7:50 — Walking tour of the bustling 4YFN startups zone at MWC. The energy is electric with booths packed full of early-stage innovation.
- 4:37–7:58 — LG U+ Opt AI demo: An impressive AI system that analyzes photos to count calories and provide nutritional insights—perfect for health and wellness apps.
- 10:21–14:00 — PREON from Navarra: Smart charging solution for Apple Watch and Android wearables. It extends battery life seamlessly without removal. Check out more on their 4YFN profile: https://www.4yfn.com/exhibitors/34919-preon
- 14:50–18:20 — Aryve: Computer vision-based indoor navigation system. This AR/VPS tech solves GPS limitations indoors (e.g., museums, malls). Learn more at their site: https://aryve.com/
- 18:25–21:00 — Wheere: Patented VHF technology as a GPS alternative, soon launching on satellites for resilient positioning.
- 21:01–27:53 — Quantum Security Computing with ICTK (Korea): Deep dive into Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) tech for quantum-safe security chips (eSIM/USIM). ICTK showcased their PQC PUF portfolio at MWC 2026: http://en.ictk.com/ In this segment, we discussed with the CEO how Quantum computing and legacy encryption are keys for cybersecurity and creation of keys with Quantum PUF USIM.
- 27:54–28:05 — Quick moment with me (Dr. E) at 4YFN—capturing the startup vibe!
- 28:05–32:00 — Antennex: Specialized OTA antenna testing solutions for integrated designs in wireless, automotive, and more. Visit their 4YFN page: https://www.4yfn.com/exhibitors/34977-antennex-b-v or site: https://antennex.tech/
- 32:19–33:04 — Startup pitch insights: Funding rounds, market expansion strategies, and scaling tips from founders.
- 33:04–36:00 — AI in investing platform demo—discussing moats, defensibility, and how AI transforms venture decisions.
- 36:00–43:37 — Unified AI processing and infrastructure software solutions for seamless edge-to-cloud workflows.
- 43:37–51:00 — NAVIFRA Robotics: Forklift sensors and smart logistics for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). High-precision docking (±10mm) using LiDAR and vision AI—ideal for factories. Explore their autonomous driving tech: https://navifra.com/eng
- 51:02–53:44 — Peach AI (P2ACH AI): AI for retail stores—digital advertising analytics, car detection, and turning offline retail into data-driven assets. See their 4YFN exhibitor page: https://www.4yfn.com/exhibitors/36379-p2ach-ai
- 53:45–56:20 — Platform for influencers and social media creators—tools to grow and monetize.
- 56:21–58:28 — RIP SIM: SIM card management and MVNO solutions for flexible connectivity.
- 58:30–01:31:00 — SK Telecom startups showcase: AI real-time translation and a bundle of other Korean innovations stealing the show.
4YFN at MWC 2026 truly lived up to its name—showcasing what the world might look like in just a few years. From quantum-resistant security (vital in the post-quantum era) to practical robotics for logistics and AI that makes everyday experiences smarter, these startups are building the infrastructure of tomorrow.
The official 4YFN site has more on the ecosystem: https://www.4yfn.com/ and MWC: https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/experiences/4yfn
Which startup or tech stood out to you most? The indoor nav from Aryve, quantum security from ICTK, or the retail AI from Peach? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing your thoughts!
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Affiliates & links: https://eglacorp.com | https://edwinhernandez.com
TechEDTV with Dr. Edwin Hernandez – Bringing the pulse of emerging tech and startups straight from the show floor.