Less than a week before it begins, the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the telecommunications congress that has become the main global technology event, has already caused rivers of ink to flow. The possible innovations that will be presented by smartphone manufacturers are combined with an agenda of presentations by personalities from a wide variety of industries and interests.

Carlos Soria will set off next February 25 for Nepal with the new BBVA Expedition to tackle the Annapurna (8,091 m) and the Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). The veteran climber is optimistic about this challenge: “These two mountains are quite difficult, particularly the Annapurna, but, as always, we'll try it with much enthusiasm and this year we'll succeed”. If he does, he would become the oldest person to achieve it and would be one step away from completing the 14 eight-thousanders, pending the main summit of the Shisha Pangma.

“Now I listen to Goya and Dalí. Going to the grocery store is like going to a club.” It may seem unbelievable but it’s not science fiction. Neil Harbisson is the first known cyborg in history. Thanks to an antenna implanted in his head, he can hear colors. His passion for innovation and desire to challenge the limits of what is humanly possible caught the attention of Jordi Roca, the best pastry chef in the world in 2014 and co-owner of El Celler de Can Roca with his brothers.

US mathematician Robert Wilson, honored with BBVA Foundation’s Frontiers of Knowledge Award for “his pioneering contributions to the analysis of strategic interactions when economic agents have limited and imperfect information about their environment.”

Propel Venture Partners (Propel)  is a new independent venture capital (VC) firm investing BBVA’s money in the startup companies that are using technology to change financial services for the benefit of the customer. Propel intends to be the go-to VC firm for entrepreneurs looking for a long-term, supportive partners as well as capital. Here are seven things you need to know about Propel:

Looking for stories that move, of personal triumph, that share values such as team work, effort and commitment are is leitmotif behind BBVA’s social and sports sponsorships.

BBVA announces an increase in its financial technology (‘fintech’) fund to $250m and a partnership with Propel Venture Partners (Propel).  BBVA will invest its $250m in Propel’s funds as a limited partner, and Propel will manage the investment independently in a move designed to ensure the capital continues to be invested in the best digital financial services startups.

• Francisco González: “With this official opening, we stand by our long-term commitment to Mexico, because we believe in this great country, in the Mexican people and in their future”

• Enrique Peña Nieto: “I would like to acknowledge both the work and the commitment that an institution as important on a global scale as BBVA Bancomer is undertaking and showing in our country”

• The building's construction is one of the pivotal milestones of the $3.5 billion investment plan that BBVA Bancomer announced in 2013.

• At 234 meters, the 50-story skyscraper is now the tallest building in Mexico’s capital

• From the new headquarters, the company will continue to drive the implementation of a new work model, based on innovation and digital banking

BBVA Executive chairman Francisco González and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto unveiled yesterday BBVA Bancomer’s new headquarters, in the heart of the Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma. The event included a fireworks show that could be seen from all across the city. The BBVA Bancomer Tower now stands as the tallest building in the city, and has claimed its spot as one of its architectural landmarks.

Greek composer Georges Aperghis honored with the BBVA Foundation's Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Contemporary Music for reinventing musical theater through the use of sounds, gestures, technologies and spaces, and incorporating performers into the creative compositional process.