Barcelona New Economy Week 2026 will add Gaming, AI, Energy, Agrofood and Science to its agenda. The event expects 270 speakers and over 50 sessions. New topics include the impact of AI on jobs and energy transition.
Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) will return in October 2026 with a significant expansion, introducing five new sectors to its program. The event, organized by the Consorcio de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), is set to take place at DFactory Barcelona from October 5 to 7. For its seventh edition, BNEW will feature Gaming, AI, Energy, Agrofood and Science, broadening its focus beyond the established areas of Talent, Aviation & Space and Health.
This year’s BNEW will maintain its hybrid format, combining in-person and digital participation. Organizers have confirmed that the event will host around 270 speakers from Spain and abroad, who will participate in more than 50 panels, debates and sessions across three television studios. The program will also include over 30 experiential activities designed to foster networking and direct engagement with the eight highlighted sectors.
According to the CZFB, the 2026 edition will address emerging themes such as the influence of artificial intelligence on employment, interdisciplinary science, advances in new materials and nanotechnology, recent discoveries in astronomy and space, and the ongoing energy transition. The event aims to strengthen its on-site component with dedicated networking spaces, reflecting a growing demand for face-to-face interaction in the business and innovation community.
Pere Navarro, executive president of the CZFB, emphasized that BNEW has always adapted to the evolving landscape of the new economy. Blanca Sorigué, the director of the CZFB, described BNEW as more than just a congress, highlighting its high-level content, advanced television-style format, personalized networking platform and immersive activities.
The expansion of BNEW’s agenda comes as Barcelona continues to position itself as a hub for international events and innovation. The city’s strategy to attract major gatherings is evident in its recent hosting of global sports competitions, as seen when Catalonia secured the Tour de France, following other high-profile events. This approach is detailed in reports such as Barcelona's ongoing push for international event leadership, which outlines the region’s ambitions and challenges in the global arena.
BNEW’s focus on sectors like AI, Energy and Gaming reflects broader trends in the Spanish and European economies, where digital transformation and sustainability are increasingly central. The inclusion of Agrofood and Science also signals a recognition of the importance of food technology and research in shaping future economic growth. With its expanded scope and international reach, BNEW 2026 is set to reinforce Barcelona’s role as a key meeting point for leaders in innovation, technology and business.
For context, Barcelona has consistently invested in infrastructure and policy to support large-scale events, leveraging its reputation for connectivity and talent. The city’s commitment to fostering collaboration between sectors is seen as a driving force behind its selection for events like BNEW. As the landscape of the new economy evolves, platforms that bring together diverse industries are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Spain’s economic future.
