MWC25: shaping the future of mobility

Driving innovation in transport

Mobile World Congress 2025 proved to be a monumental event for professionals across the tech landscape. It attracted a record-breaking 109,000 attendees from over 200 territories, equalling its pre-pandemic all-time high.

Among the companies present, Worldline addressed crucial themes affecting the transport industry. As conversations around smart mobility and digitalisation gained traction, Worldline's participation offered unique insights into reshaping transport experiences.

The key themes

The hottest topic was undoubtedly AI. From keynote speeches to panel discussions, it was highlighted as a transformative force capable of reshaping industries. Worldline seized the opportunity to explore how AI could personalise travellers' experiences,as part of the Open Innovation Challenge, collaborating with startups and tech companies to develop innovative solutions.

Another significant theme was the emergence of smart mobility solutions. The link between mobile technology and automotive innovation continues to grow, with the number of connected vehicles on the rise. Advancements in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and IoT integration are creating seamless transport solutions, benefitting users and service providers.

Discussions on quantum computing also presented opportunities for the transport sector, including optimising logistics and enhancing data security. Conversations about sustainable practices underscored the importance of a commitment to environmental responsibility, which are also crucial for growth.

The Open Innovation Challenge

Organised by Acc1ó, the Open Innovation Challenge invited startups and tech companies to discuss an emerging topic: “How to personalise the traveller's experience with Data & AI.”

Our team, led by Jose Maria Lopez Granados, David Karney and Ricard Sala, worked closely with startups to explore various avenues for implementation. David Karney reflected:

“Three key insights stand out, particularly for the transport and mobility sectors. First, the integration of AI is no longer optional, it is imperative. Every innovation showcased underscored the necessity for AI-driven solutions. Secondly, we are on the verge of a robotics revolution. Future generations will coexist with robots, making them commonplace. Finally, the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) stands out. My experience with AR glasses at the congress demonstrated their remarkable promise in navigation, an area ripe for enhancement in our industry.”

The Talent Arena

MWC25 solidified Barcelona's stature as a European tech hub. Its Talent Arena brought together over 20 thousand professionals from across the continent to discuss digital talent and its role in ongoing transformation.

Discussions underscored the need for organisations to attract and retain skilled professionals, while fostering an inclusive tech environment and promoting diversity as a driver of innovation.

The impact on the transport industry

As the transport industry faces increasing demands for efficiency, Worldline's initiatives are timely. Insights from MWC25 demonstrate the importance of leveraging AI to improve the travel experience. By using data to understand passenger behaviour, transport providers can create tailored services that enhance customer satisfaction.

Worldline's exploration of interconnected platforms positions us as leaders in driving smart mobility innovations. Collaboration with various players in the tech ecosystem allows us to address complex challenges while paving the way for an integrated transport network.

Additionally, discussions around quantum computing highlight its potential impact on the transport sector. By harnessing quantum technologies, we can unlock new capabilities in optimising logistics and enhancing data management. Worldline is committed to exploring these new possibilities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technological advancements.