Blog - Opentop

Opentop at MWC-4YFN 2026: Open innovation in action

Written by Imad Hachemi | Mar 6, 2026 9:00:00 AM

 

 Opentop at MWC-4YFN 2026: Open innovation in action

 

 From March 2 to 5, 2026, Barcelona hosted 4YFN-MWC, one of the world's leading innovation events, and Opentop was there as Valenciaport's open innovation hub.

Scouting: finding the startups that will transform ports

One of the team's main missions at MWC-4YFN was active scouting: walking the halls, listening to pitches and holding conversations with innovative startups that could bring real value to Valenciaport's port-logistics community and to the

innovation hubs of the PIN (Port Innovators Network). We explored a wide range of technologies that we will continue to analyse in depth: AI agents, digital twins, new connectivity solutions, robotics, quantum computing… always with a focus on the real needs of the port and logistics sector. The goal is to identify solutions with genuine potential, and we made very promising contacts that we will continue to develop.

A Valencia ecosystem is stronger than ever

But MWC was not just about technology. It was also about ecosystem. And in that regard, one of the most rewarding moments was witnessing the strength and growth of the Valencian ecosystem. The Valencia stand was a constant hub of activity, buzzing with energy.

Alongside key players such as Valencia Innovation Capital, Area 101, All4Zero, Y Combinator and others, Opentop took part in a variety of events and formats — all sharing one common goal: driving open innovation forward. Because innovation is never built alone.

Three moments on stage

Beyond networking and scouting, the Opentop team played an active role in the event agenda, with three notable appearances.

Marine Sustainability at the Telefónica stand. Jorge Marcos, Head of Opentop, took part in the roundtable "Marine Sustainability: IoT, 5G and aquatic drones," where he shared how Fundación Valenciaport is advancing the use of connected technology to make ports more sustainable, safe and efficient.

At the Spain Pavilion – ICEX. Helena Ortiz, Ecosystem Manager at Opentop, participated in a recording of the podcast "Hablamos con…" by Plataforma ONE (National Entrepreneurship Office). A conversation about open innovation, ecosystems and entrepreneurship from a sector perspective.

Port open innovation at the Valencia Innovation Capital stand. The roundtable organised by Opentop at the Valencia Innovation Capital stand brought together Naturgy and startups Gandolapp, Cooling Photonics and Passify to discuss matchmaking, trends and what open innovation truly means in the port sector. A dialogue that showed there is still a long road ahead — and plenty of enthusiasm to travel it together, through open innovation.

Until next edition

The conclusion is clear: MWC-4YFN confirms that port and logistics innovation has a relevant place in the world's leading technology forums. And Opentop has a great deal to contribute.

We're already looking forward to the next edition. 🚀