Washington state delegation to international tech trade show MWC Barcelona includes startups, blockchain companies, AI, AR/VR, 5g solutions
Commerce department hosts 14 innovative companies, showcases state’s booming tech sector in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 25 – Feb 28
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Executives from some of Washington’s most innovative small and medium-sized tech companies join the Department of Commerce this week at MWC19 (formerly Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona, Spain.
Several of the delegation companies are exciting startups in artificial intelligence, big data and AR/VR. Many of the delegation companies are new to exporting, looking at Mobile World Congress as a place to grow and expand their businesses through international sales and partnerships.
Washington’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector is a big reason the state consistently ranks among the highest for GDP and personal income growth in the United States. Washington is an epicenter for invention and incubation, from cloud computing and blockchain to artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). In addition to tech giants such as Microsoft and Amazon, Washington is home to more than 14,000 ICT companies employing more than 200,000 workers.
According to Commerce officials, this year’s delegation also shines a light on the state’s leadership in mobile technologies. It includes companies that serve the telecommunications industry directly through network management, asset lifecycle management and new handset designs. Others focus on helping content publishers and applications to increase user satisfaction while boosting advertising revenue and monetizing distribution. Other delegate companies offer solutions to connect mobile technologies, including 5g wireless, to the developing Internet of Things (IoT).
“One of the most cost-effective ways that Commerce strengthens communities is by helping Washington’s small businesses and entrepreneurs access overseas markets and foreign direct investment opportunities,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “Two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is in foreign countries – we provide free services and valuable resources to help startups, small and medium-sized companies grow and create jobs through exporting and global business development.”
The Choose Washington pavilion, located in Digital Planet Hall 8, Stand 8.1, A11 features a mix of startups and established businesses:
“The growing interest of mobile communication companies in AI is an interesting business opportunity for us. That’s why we are excited to take part in the Washington State delegation at the Mobile World Congress,” said Daniela Braga, CEO of DefinedCrowd. “The Department of Commerce is helping us, ensuring that we don´t miss an opportunity with key players in the industry. I’m sure we will have a busy week in Barcelona, and we will definitely be part of smarter AI in the telecoms segment.”
Braga will be one of several members of the delegation speaking during the conference. She is a panelist on “Democratizing AI and Attacking Algorithmic Bias” on Feb. 26 at 1 p.m.
Gary Greenbaum, CEO of Syntonic, speaks on “The Future of Mobile Business Models” on Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. Ben Lyon, CEO of Hover, is a panelist at the companion conference 4YFN (4 Years from Now) on “How Emerging Marketing are Leading Fintech” on Feb. 25.
The Commerce team organizes business matchmaking introductions for their exhibitor companies to meet with mobile carriers, hardware manufacturers, enterprise mobility strategists and marketers to negotiate licensing agreements and grow global awareness of their unique technologies and services. Members of Commerce delegations have reported over $26 million in new sales from participation in this event over the last seven years.
Many small and medium-sized tech companies would not be able to attend international trade shows of this caliber without export vouchers provided by Commerce. Made possible through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Promotion (STEP) program, these reimbursement-style grants will help offset the cost of international business development for all of this year’s delegate companies.
Washington’s STEP program has been recognized multiple times as the most successful of all the U.S. states. Since inception, Commerce has helped 787 Washington companies achieve over $690 million in sales directly attributable to STEP programs and assistance.
Washington State ICT Industry Snapshot:
- 14,000 companies
- 200,000 workers
- 90,000 software developers
- $25 billion in annual wages
For more information on the Choose Washington Pavilion’s featured companies, visit us online and follow us during #MWC19 on twitter and Facebook @WAStateCommerce.