MARMOMAC Launches the International Award for Sustainable Excellence in Collaboration with the University of Verona

The 60th edition of Marmomac, taking place at Veronafiere from 22 to 25 September 2026, will see the debut of an award dedicated to innovative technologies and projects that make a tangible contribution to the sustainable development of the natural stone supply chain, strengthening the dialogue between research and industry.

Verona, 31 of July 2026. The sustainable transition is reshaping the production models of the manufacturing industry and is increasingly involving the natural stone sector, which is called upon to combine technological innovation with the responsible use of resources. Against this backdrop, Marmomac, in collaboration with the University of Verona, is launching the first edition of the International Award for Sustainable Excellence, with the aim of recognising machinery, plants, tools, materials and projects capable of delivering tangible improvements in terms of environmental impact, production efficiency and responsible resource management. 

«Major industrial transformations require places where innovation can be shared and turned into tangible development» said Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. «This is the role that Marmomac fulfils every year, and one that is further strengthened through this award, created through the collaboration between the exhibition system and the academic world to bring research and the market closer together, supporting the growth and competitiveness of the entire natural stone supply chain». 

The new award is open to exhibitors at the 60th edition of Marmomac, who are invited to submit innovative solutions across five categories covering the entire natural stone ecosystem: Machines & Plants, Tools, Software, Chemicals and the Eureka Award (Start-ups). Three finalists will be selected in each category before the overall winners are announced. Special mentions may also be awarded to projects that stand out for their significance and impact. 

The entries will be evaluated by a diverse international jury, bringing together scientific, industrial and design expertise to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the applications based on three criteria: technological innovation, industrial applicability and contribution to the sustainability of the natural stone supply chain. The scientific coordination will be entrusted to Marco Cristani, Professor of Information Processing Systems at the University of Verona; Eros Radicchi, researcher at the same university; and Paolo Marone, Director of IS.I.M. | International Marble Institute. They will be joined by a judging panel consisting of Atiye Tuğrul, Professor of Applied Geology at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa; Giovanna Antonella Dino, researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Turin; Dolores Pereira Gómez, Professor at the University of Salamanca; designer Raffaello Galiotto; and mining engineer Claudia Chiappino. 

«Our collaboration with Marmomac represents an important opportunity to promote the most outstanding sustainable innovations in the natural stone sector» explained Chiara Leardini, Rector of the University of Verona. «The award aims to highlight projects, technologies and materials capable of making a tangible contribution to reducing environmental impact and developing more efficient and circular production processes. Our university recognises sustainability as a strategic driver for strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of businesses. Technological innovation capable of achieving these objectives necessarily relies on close cooperation between universities and the production system». 

Applications are now open at www.marmomac.com. 

About MARMOMAC 

Marmomac is the world’s leading international trade fair for the entire natural stone supply chain, from quarrying to processed products, technologies, machinery and tools. Founded in Verona, at the heart of one of Italy’s leading marble districts, Marmomac is today the sector’s leading international hub and a key platform for innovation, culture and education. With around 1,400 exhibitors from more than 54 countries and a global community of over 50,000 industry professionals from 140 nations (2025 figures), the exhibition continues to strengthen its role as a strategic platform for the sector, bringing together companies, designers, institutions and professionals from around the world. A visit to Marmomac offers the opportunity to discover new products and technological innovations, learn about the latest developments in machinery, and take part in exhibitions, conferences and accredited professional training programmes, with a particular focus on the relationship between business, design and product culture—an added value recognised worldwide.