«Barcelona is brimming with talent, creativity, and originality» by Ada Guelfand

Ada Guelfand is 32 years old, married, and has one daughter. Born in Chile, Ada lived in Rancagua, Temuco, Viña del Mar, Jena, and Klagenfurt before moving to Barcelona a year and a half ago. An entrepreneur and multidisciplinary researcher at Bist, she has worked on a variety of projects: an algorithm for a sustainable water management system in mining and agriculture that is powered by satellite observation and AI; a wireless device for use in treating oscillopsia; a subscription-based complementary health system; and a sales support platform for new entrepreneurs.

Why did you choose Barcelona?

I fell in love with the city while visiting a friend in 2021. Barcelona struck me as a unique city with excellent quality of life, a place that was growing organically and offered opportunities for development and divergent innovation.

After completing a Master’s degree at Bist, I began to play an active role in the life of the city, attending congresses and cultural events, volunteering, visiting science and technology hubs, taking extra courses, and becoming a member of the 22@ network. This is how I became a Barcelonian by Choice.

I chose Barcelona for the people, the science, the climate, and the arts, not to mention its location, food, and the fact that I could fulfil my potential here. Here I feel welcome to innovate and to use my talents, both to support humanity and to help position the city as a center for global development.

What aspects of the city must be improved? How?

I believe that one of the most important aspects is to make sure the world knows that Barcelona is a major center for innovation and development. The city is brimming with talent, creativity and originality. What we need to do now is to work together actively to bring together our many skills and to strengthen high-end innovation processes in the business world.

We also need to reduce the bureaucracy that stands in the way of those who live and work here and help innovators to access funds that would enable talent to flourish in Barcelona.

What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?

I hope that as a city we can redefine the way we do things in tourism, science, medicine, culture, and many other areas so that the next generation becomes a model for the world. Our combination of talents enables us to set high standards of innovation in all aspects of life through organic, divergent growth towards a better future.

Which city do you feel as «your city»? What do you miss the most?

I feel at home almost anywhere in the world. After what I have experienced, I can’t see it any other way. However, I do enjoy living in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

What I miss the most are my mom’s Sunday dinners, and my dad and siblings entertaining the family with music in the afternoon. I also miss Chile’s pristine nature, which I feel a vocation to protect and nurture.