A flying start for FNS at MWC 2026
The first day of Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona got off to a good start for the Future Network Services program. With our own spot in the largest Dutch pavilion ever, pitches from various FNS start-ups at 4YFN, and Paul Wijngaard's contribution on digital autonomy and 6G, we got off to a flying start at MWC.
Digital autonomy in the spotlight
A recurring theme at this edition of MWC is digital autonomy. The importance of technological sovereignty was emphasized in the GSMA keynote and in the panel discussion at the NL pavilion, including the need for predictable, long-term government policy.
6G as a theme at MWC
As expected, 6G is playing a bigger role at MWC 2026. For FNS, this is a great opportunity to show the steps the Netherlands is taking to build a leading international position for the Netherlands in 6G.
Dutch start-ups shine at 4YFN
Both the Netherlands and FNS were well represented at 4YFN, the platform for start-ups and scale-ups. Various Dutch start-ups and scale-ups, including Aircision, ANTENNEX, EduvolutionX, QSA Technology, and RadioSense, presented their innovations on the international 4YFN Pitching Stage, also made possible by Innovation Quarter. This was an excellent platform for these FNS Partners and start-ups to showcase their solutions.
Festive opening of the largest Dutch pavilion ever
The day ended with the festive official opening of the NL pavilion, now in its 10th edition. With a larger presence than ever before, the pavilion represents the Dutch ecosystem. The opening was performed by Roel Nieuwenkamp (Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Spain), Angela van Diejen (MT member Digital Economy), Mathieu Andriessen (Managing Director NLconnect), and Frits Grotenhuis (Director & Manager Digital Holland).
With this flying start, MWC 2026 promises to be a promising week.
