The 4YFN Awards are open to digital startups anywhere in the world and at any stage, spanning climate, fintech and health.
The money is tiered rather than winner-takes-all: EUR 20,000 to the winner, EUR 2,500 to each finalist, and EUR 1,500 plus an exhibition pod to each of the Top 20. All of it is equity-free, so a Top 20 placing is worth something on its own.
Applications close at 17:00 CET on 26 October 2026, four months before judging begins. Semi-finals are held on 1 March 2027 and the final on 3 March, both inside 4YFN, the startup event GSMA runs beside MWC Barcelona. The 2027 edition is at Fira Gran Via from 1 to 4 March and hosts around 1,000 startups.
What it actually costs you
How applications work
4YFN, the startup event attached to MWC Barcelona, runs these awards for digital startups worldwide at any stage, spanning climate, fintech and health. The winner takes EUR 20,000, finalists EUR 2,500, and the Top 20 receive EUR 1,500 plus an exhibition pod. All prize money is equity-free. Judging and the final take place in Barcelona.