- The new CEO, Laia Corbella, the first woman to lead the FMWC, has more than 15 years of experience in innovation, business ecosystem and institutional positioning
- The Government strengthens its commitment to Mobile World Capital as a strategic actor for the development of the digital ecosystem
The Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, María González Veracruz, participated today in Barcelona in the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation, held in the Port Olimpic, in which the appointment of Laia Corbella as the new general director of the Foundation was approved.
His candidacy has been proposed by the Barcelona City Council, which holds the presidency of the Foundation, and has enjoyed the unanimous support of the institutional patrons (Generalitat de Catalunya, Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, as well as City Council), as well as the other entities that make up the board (Fira de Barcelona, GSMA, Telefónica, Vodafone, Orange, CaixaBank and Damm), showing the institutional consensus around the new stage of the organization.
“This unanimous election confirms the consensus and good agreement of the administrations on a crucial project for Spain, which is helping to place the country as a reference in the digitalization processes, when technology has become a critical issue for democracies,” said the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, María González Veracruz.
He also stressed that Corbella “has been a fundamental piece in the work carried out these years by the FMWC, and his choice means the commitment to a profile capable of combining the knowledge of what has been done with new perspectives, at a time when Spain’s role in the global technological conversation is prominent”.
The Government’s commitment to sustainable, fair, humanist and fundamental rights digital transformation included the signing of the agreement signed between the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Red.es and the Mobile World Capital Foundation, endowed with 7.7 million euros, for the transfer of technology, digital talent and the use of technology for the common good. Within the framework of that agreement, the first edition of the Digital Rights Meeting was held this past May, which became the epicentre of the global debate on rights in the digital environment.
In addition, this agreement is the basis for other successful recent projects such as the Talent Arena, which was born in 2026 to bring together developers, leading technology companies and educational institutions to promote learning, networking and professional growth in the digital field. A project that confirmed its strength in its 2026 edition, receiving more than 25,000 visitors, 25% more than in its first edition.
The Government’s participation in the Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation is part of a sustained strategy to consolidate Spain as an international benchmark in digital transformation, innovation and technological entrepreneurship. The Executive recently reinforced this commitment by increasing its annual contribution by 60%, up to 8 million euros, with the aim of strengthening the digital ecosystem, boosting technological talent and expanding the international impact of Barcelona as a hub of innovation.
In addition, the Government recognized, in 2025, the Mobile World Congress as an Event of Special Public Interest, as a sign of the importance and role that the fair has played in the positioning of Spain as a world leader in the field of technology.
New general direction of the FMWC
Laia Corbella assumes the overall direction of the Mobile World Capital Foundation after a trajectory of more than 15 years linked to the development of projects related to innovation, digital transformation, strategic communication and institutional positioning.
So far, Director of Institutional Relations and Public Affairs of the Foundation, she has led initiatives aimed at strengthening strategic alliances, institutional development and connection with the business and technological ecosystem. Her professional career has consolidated her as a recognized figure within the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Corbella takes over from Francesc Fajula, who closes a four-year stage at the head of the FMWC. With this appointment, the Board of Trustees confirms its confidence in the Mobile World Capital Barcelona project, betting on leadership aimed at strengthening the role of the Foundation as a key player in the technological, scientific and business ecosystem of the country.