BNEW Barcelona 2026 – New Economy Week Spain

What to expect in 2026

BNEW Barcelona 2026, or Barcelona New Economy Week, is a hybrid B2B event bringing together businesses, startups, investors, researchers, technology specialists, institutions and professionals from multiple areas of the new economy. The 2026 edition will take place from 5 to 7 October at DFactory Barcelona and will combine in-person participation with a digital platform offering streamed sessions and professional networking.

The 2026 edition connects eight major BNEW verticals: Artificial Intelligence, Agrofood, Aviation & Space, Energy, Gaming, Health, Science and Talent. The programme is designed to show how technologies, research, entrepreneurship and business models increasingly overlap between different industries.

Visitors can expect conference sessions, expert discussions, interviews, business meetings, startup activity, networking and experiential activities. The digital platform also provides smart matchmaking, an AI-powered personalized agenda, messaging and access to participating companies.

Hybrid event format

BNEW combines a physical experience at DFactory Barcelona with a digital experience through its online platform. Registered digital participants can follow streaming sessions, while in-person attendees receive access to the event stages, networking areas and experiences.

Cross-sector business connections

Rather than focusing on one conventional industry, BNEW connects sectors including AI, health, energy, aviation, food, science, gaming and talent. This creates opportunities to discover how technologies developed in one sector can be applied to another.

Technology and innovation focus

Artificial intelligence, advanced digital technologies, scientific research, automation, emerging business models, sustainability and talent development are among the major themes shaping the 2026 programme.

Startup and entrepreneurial activity

Startups form an important part of BNEW through the participating-company ecosystem and networking activities. The event provides opportunities for emerging businesses to meet corporations, investors, partners and potential customers.

Event dates

BNEW Barcelona 2026 will be held from Monday, 5 October to Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at DFactory Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain. The official registration platform allows attendees to select the individual days they intend to attend in person or choose to participate through livestreaming.

Event dates: 5–7 October 2026

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Venue: DFactory Barcelona

Format: Physical and digital B2B event

Contact: +34 93 263 81 50

The event is intended primarily for professional participation, with registration collecting information about attendees’ companies, positions, interests and networking objectives.

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Venue & exhibition site

BNEW 2026 will be hosted at DFactory Barcelona, an Industry 4.0 ecosystem promoted and managed by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona. The venue is designed around technology, innovation, collaboration and advanced industrial activity, making it particularly suited to BNEW’s new-economy focus.

Venue address: DFactory Barcelona, Calle 27, 10–16, Sector BZ Zona Franca, 08040 Barcelona, Spain.

DFactory is strategically positioned approximately 10 minutes from Barcelona Airport, around 15 minutes from central Barcelona and about five minutes from the docks. The La Factoria Metro station is also located close to the building.

Rather than operating like a traditional large-scale trade fair, BNEW uses DFactory’s technological environment for conference stages, digital production, networking and experiential activities.

Full event programme

The 2026 BNEW programme is structured around eight sector-specific BNEWs:

BNEW AI

Artificial intelligence sessions examine the development and application of AI, technological sovereignty, business transformation, automation, data and the future of work. One published session, “The Age of AI: European Technological Sovereignty,” is scheduled for 5 October at 15:00 CEST and includes representatives from i2CAT, Hubmaster, Eurecat, the Generalitat de Catalunya and Barcelona Supercomputing Center.

BNEW Agrofood

The Agrofood programme focuses on technology and innovation throughout the food and agricultural value chain, including bioeconomy, food innovation, sustainable production and emerging technologies.

BNEW Aviation

Aviation & Space addresses aerospace innovation, advanced technologies, aviation ecosystems, research and future mobility. The vertical connects businesses and research organisations involved in the rapidly changing aerospace economy.

BNEW Energy

Energy sessions examine energy transition, innovation, efficiency, new technologies and the changing relationship between industry and energy systems.

BNEW Gaming

Gaming brings together the videogame ecosystem, technology, creative businesses, startups and emerging digital entertainment models.

BNEW Health

Health focuses on healthcare innovation, biotechnology, medical technologies, digital health, research and new approaches to patient care.

BNEW Science

The Science programme connects research and technological development with wider economic and social challenges. A published 5 October session at 13:00 CEST, “New Answers to the Universe’s Greatest Mysteries,” examines recent discoveries in space science and the role of advanced instrumentation, observation and data analysis.

BNEW Talent

Talent examines employment, skills, recruitment, leadership and the impact of AI on the workplace. A published 6 October session at 10:00 CEST focuses on how AI is changing talent identification and development, with speakers from NovaHiring, NTT DATA Europe & LATAM, Boomerang Intelligence and Sesame.

Key speakers & keynote speakers

BNEW 2026 features a broad group of executives, researchers, academics, entrepreneurs and public-sector representatives. The official event website currently highlights speakers including Joan Arnedo, Montserrat Puig, David Comellas, Alba Guzmán, Joana Barbany, Mónica Beatriz Della Pirriera, Carmen Ovejero, Ana García, Maurici Hervas and Neema Balolebwami Nelly.

Other published names include Alex Viladomiu, Antoni Gilabert, Alex Tortosa, Oriol Güell, Joan Francesc Bañó, Marga Torre, Laura Benítez, Jara Forcadell, Marc Fortuny and Lluís Blanch.

AI and digital technology

Jara Forcadell, Head of AI Innovation and Business at Fundació i2CAT, is listed as moderator for the European technological sovereignty session. Speakers include Juan Carlos Ibáñez of Hubmaster, Joan Lluís Mas of Eurecat, Jaume Miralles Solé of the Generalitat de Catalunya and Diego Perino of Barcelona Supercomputing Center.

Science and research

The Science programme includes José Manuel Vílchez of IAA-CSIC as moderator, with Mar Mezcua of the Institute of Space Sciences, Mercè Romero-Gómez of the University of Barcelona and Licia Verde of ICREA & ICCUB among the listed speakers.

Talent and employment

The Talent programme includes Josep Maria Ribes of La Salle Campus Barcelona as moderator for a session on AI and talent development, alongside Marc Fortuny, Marta Gascón, Santi Molins and Tiago Santos.

The complete speaker programme remains subject to updates as BNEW approaches its October dates.

Conference sessions & tracks

The BNEW conference is organised into separate vertical tracks while maintaining a cross-sector approach.

Artificial Intelligence: AI sovereignty, applied AI, automation, data and AI’s impact on organisations.

Agrofood: agricultural technology, food innovation, bioeconomy and sustainable food systems.

Aviation & Space: aerospace innovation, aviation technology and future industry opportunities.

Energy: energy transition, efficiency, innovation and emerging energy solutions.

Gaming: videogames, digital entertainment, creative technology and gaming businesses.

Health: biotechnology, healthcare technology, medical innovation and digital health.

Science: research, scientific discovery, technology and commercialisation of knowledge.

Talent: recruitment, professional development, AI-enabled workforce management and future skills.

The programme is complemented by networking and experiential activities, allowing participants to move between knowledge sessions and professional meetings.

Session times & schedule

The detailed BNEW 2026 agenda is being published through the official programme platform, with sessions assigned to specific verticals and times.

Examples of confirmed programme entries include:

5 October, 13:00 CEST: BNEW Science session on new answers to the universe’s greatest mysteries.

5 October, 15:00 CEST: BNEW AI session on European technological sovereignty and the role of AI.

6 October, 10:00 CEST: BNEW Talent session examining how AI is changing talent identification and development.

The online programme can be filtered by day, title, tag and speaker, allowing registered attendees to build a personalized agenda. The BNEW platform also provides an AI-powered personalized agenda to help participants manage their programme.

Because sessions can be updated before the event, attendees should check the official programme shortly before travelling for the latest times and room or stage information.

Ticket types & registration

BNEW 2026 registration is free. The official registration system provides access to both the digital and in-person experience, subject to the applicable access conditions.

Digital registration — $0

Registered digital attendees can access streaming sessions through the BNEW Platform, smart matchmaking, digital networking, the virtual assistant BBot and an AI-powered personalized agenda.

In-person registration — $0

The in-person experience provides three-day access to the event stages and sessions, networking areas and experiences. Some experiences require advance booking.

Professional networking — $0

Participants can activate networking features to connect with other attendees and participating companies, scan badges, exchange contact information, send messages and arrange meetings.

The event registration process asks attendees to identify their company, position, professional interests, preferred BNEW verticals and the activities they are looking for and offering.

Registration deadlines

The official BNEW registration information currently provides registration for the 5–7 October 2026 event but does not state a separate fixed final registration deadline. Registration should therefore be completed as early as possible rather than relying on last-minute availability.

For physical attendance, the organiser states that registered attendees receive an accreditation badge that must be presented in printed format.

Some activities require advance booking, so completing registration early is particularly useful for attendees interested in experiential activities, meetings and specific programme sessions.

Exhibitor list & major companies

BNEW’s participating-company ecosystem includes startups, partners, sponsors and collaborators from technology, industry, science, healthcare, energy, food, mobility and other sectors. The official participating-company directory currently includes a large selection of organisations.

Examples include:

Technology and industry: Siemens, Eurecat, AMETIC, I2CAT, LEITAT, IAM3DHUB, Mobile World Capital and Barcelona 3D Ceramics.

Finance and business: BBVA, CaixaBank, Ibercaja, ABAC Capital and Barcelona & Partners.

Energy and sustainability: Ecoembes, Cluster de l’Energia Eficient de Catalunya, Innovacircular and Vallformosa.

Health and biotechnology: Rob Surgical, VDM Health, Nocturna Therapeutics, Genio LifespaIN, My Time for Patients and Netretina AI.

Aerospace and aviation: Aeros, Aeros-Ecosistema Aeronáutico y del Espacio, Ellas Vuelan Alto, UPC Space Program and Airway Shield.

Food and agrofood: IRTA, AECOC, Finca Viladellops, Kina Chocolates, Granier and Vallformosa.

Gaming and creative technology: Saga Barcelona Game Fest, Dust Games, MR Play, The Breach Studios and Scalextric.

The official company directory should be treated as the current reference because participating organisations can change before the event.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

BNEW is not organised as a conventional exhibition with a large number of numbered trade-fair halls. Its physical environment at DFactory Barcelona combines stages, networking areas, company participation, digital experiences and experiential activities.

The event’s digital platform also functions as an important part of the exhibition and business ecosystem, allowing participants to search companies, identify potential contacts and organise meetings.

Conference areas

Sessions are organised according to BNEW verticals and programme stages.

Networking areas

Dedicated networking spaces allow participants to hold professional conversations and meetings.

Company ecosystem

Participating companies and startups can be discovered through the BNEW platform and company directory.

Experiential areas

BNEW also offers activities intended to demonstrate technologies, ideas and developments through a more immersive format.

A conventional 2026 hall-by-hall floor plan has not been published on the current official pages, so no unconfirmed hall numbers are included here.

Networking & business meetings

Networking is one of the central components of BNEW. During registration, attendees identify the activities they are seeking and the activities they can offer. The platform then uses this information to recommend people and companies that may be relevant to their professional objectives.

Suggested attendees

Participants receive suggested contacts based on their interests and professional activities.

Suggested companies

The platform identifies participating companies whose services or requirements may match the attendee’s interests.

Smart matchmaking

AI-supported matchmaking helps participants discover potentially relevant business contacts.

Meeting scheduling

Attendees can use the platform to communicate, schedule meetings and manage their professional agenda.

Contact exchange

Participants can scan badges and create or download contact lists, helping them maintain leads after the event.

The networking programme makes BNEW particularly relevant for startups, investors, technology companies, corporate innovation teams, researchers and professionals looking for cross-sector partnerships.

Industry sectors & highlights

The 2026 edition covers a wide range of industries under the broader New Economy concept.

Artificial intelligence: AI applications, technological sovereignty, automation and business transformation.

Agrofood: food technology, agricultural innovation, bioeconomy and sustainable production.

Aviation and space: aerospace technology, research, aviation innovation and emerging opportunities.

Energy: energy transition, efficiency and technology.

Gaming: videogames, digital entertainment and creative industries.

Health: medical technology, biotechnology and digital healthcare.

Science: scientific research, discovery and technology transfer.

Talent: employment, recruitment, workforce transformation and future skills.

The breadth of the event reflects BNEW’s objective of connecting industries that increasingly depend on common technologies such as AI, data, robotics, digital platforms, advanced manufacturing and scientific research.

Event rules & visitor information

BNEW operates under an admission policy covering entry, accreditation, security, venue capacity and attendee conduct. Access can be restricted where capacity has been reached, where valid accreditation is missing, where prohibited items are involved or where conduct creates safety concerns.

Accreditation

In-person attendees should bring the required BNEW accreditation badge.

Professional information

Registration collects professional information to support event participation and networking.

Networking consent

Networking functions can be activated or deactivated through the BNEW Platform. When activated, basic professional information may be shared with other attendees for professional networking purposes.

Accessibility

The registration system includes options for wheelchair access, accessible seating, arrival assistance and sensory or cognitive accessibility needs. BNEW states that accessibility support and guidance will be available subject to the event’s resources and arrangements.

How to get there

DFactory Barcelona is located in the Zona Franca area of Barcelona, southwest of the central city area.

The official BNEW venue information places DFactory approximately 10 minutes from Barcelona Airport, 15 minutes from central Barcelona and five minutes from the docks.

From Barcelona Airport

The venue’s proximity to Barcelona Airport makes it convenient for international visitors. Taxi or private transfer is a practical option, while public transport connections can also be used depending on the visitor’s starting point.

From central Barcelona

Visitors staying in central Barcelona can travel toward the Zona Franca area using Barcelona’s public transport network and continue to the La Factoria area.

By taxi

Taxis provide a direct connection from central Barcelona, the airport and nearby accommodation areas.

Public transport & parking

The venue is close to La Factoria Metro station, which provides a public transport option for visitors travelling to DFactory Barcelona.

Barcelona’s wider public transport network also connects the Zona Franca area with the city centre and other major transport hubs.

Metro

La Factoria is the closest Metro station identified by the official BNEW venue information.

Bus

Local bus connections can be used to reach the Zona Franca area, with routes depending on the visitor’s starting point.

Taxi

Taxi travel is particularly useful for visitors carrying business materials or travelling directly from Barcelona Airport.

Parking

Visitors travelling by car should check the latest venue-specific parking arrangements before the event, as the official BNEW venue page does not currently provide a detailed 2026 parking allocation or parking map.

Accommodation areas

Barcelona offers a wide range of hotels and serviced accommodation for BNEW attendees. Because DFactory is located in the Zona Franca area, visitors can choose between staying close to the venue or in central neighbourhoods with broader hotel and restaurant options.

Zona Franca

Staying around the Zona Franca area reduces the distance to DFactory and can be practical for visitors prioritising quick access to the venue.

Sants and Plaça d’Espanya

The Sants and Plaça d’Espanya areas provide a useful balance between access to central Barcelona and the southern industrial districts.

Eixample

Eixample offers a large selection of business and leisure accommodation and convenient connections to other parts of Barcelona.

Barcelona city centre

Visitors combining BNEW with sightseeing, dining or other meetings may prefer central neighbourhoods, although the journey to DFactory will be longer than staying closer to the venue.

International attendees should consider airport access and daily travel time when choosing accommodation.

Previous year’s highlights

BNEW 2025 attracted 12,912 professionals from 87 countries, including 8,163 in-person participants and 4,749 online participants. The edition generated more than 14,000 networking interactions and featured more than 320 speakers, approximately 100 hours of content and 66 panels, sessions and debates.

The 2025 edition focused on seven interconnected sectors: Digital Industry, Mobility, Sustainability, Aviation, Talent, Health and Experience. This structure demonstrated BNEW’s emphasis on connecting different parts of the economy rather than keeping technology discussions isolated within individual industries.

International participation

Professionals from 87 countries attended BNEW 2025, underlining the event’s international business focus.

Networking

More than 14,000 networking interactions were recorded during the edition, with the digital platform using AI to suggest relevant connections.

Conference content

More than 320 speakers contributed to 100 hours of content spread across 66 panels, sessions and debates.

Startup and business ecosystem

The 2025 edition brought together startups, corporations, institutions and professionals around digital transformation and new-economy opportunities.

These 2025 figures provide useful context for the 2026 edition but should not be treated as guaranteed 2026 attendance figures.

Official registration & tickets

BNEW 2026 registration is officially free — $0 for both digital and in-person participation. Registration is required whether attendees plan to participate at DFactory Barcelona or follow the programme online.

The official registration includes access to the digital platform, streaming sessions, smart matchmaking, digital networking, BBot and an AI-powered personalized agenda. In-person registration includes three-day access to stages and sessions, networking areas and event experiences, although some activities require advance booking.

For in-person attendance, the organiser states that attendees will receive an accreditation badge that must be presented in printed form.

Official BNEW Barcelona registration (https://www.bnewbarcelona.com/en/registration-2026.html)

Official BNEW Barcelona website (https://www.bnewbarcelona.com/)