Barcelona New Economy Week attracts 12,000 attendees and honors top startups

The seventh edition of Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) has concluded, drawing over 12,000 attendees from 96 countries. Organized by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) at the DFactory building, the event focused on sectors including artificial intelligence, health, mobility, logistics, sustainability, and Industry 4.0.

A key highlight of the event was the BNEW Startup Innovations Hub 2026, which recognized emerging companies transforming strategic sectors. Out of more than 100 applicants, 40 finalists were selected, with eight companies ultimately receiving awards. Notable winners include Iongside, which received the award for best gaming startup for developing a digital emotional support tool for children undergoing oncology treatment, and TORCH, which won the energy startup award for its patented green AI device capable of autonomous solar operation.

CZFB Executive President Pere Navarro stated that the event serves as a global meeting point for dialogue and alliance generation, while General Director Blanca Sorigué emphasized that the awards aim to provide startups with necessary visibility and financing to drive real-world innovation.