European Investor
08 Feb 2026, 19:17
Kering announced the launch of the second edition of its Kering Generation Award X Jewelry, expanding its initiative to promote sustainability and innovation across the global jewelry industry.
Following the success of the inaugural edition at JCK Las Vegas 2025, the new award is organized in partnership with CIBJO and coordinated scientifically by POLI*design – Politecnico di Milano. The program is supported by Kering’s jewelry Maisons, including Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo and Qeelin.
Under the theme “Second Chance, First Choice,” the award aims to reduce the environmental impact of the jewelry sector through innovative solutions focused on new materials, artificial intelligence applications, sustainable packaging and retail-focused technologies. Ten leading universities and academies worldwide will take part, alongside startups developing practical solutions to improve sustainability across products, processes and services.
Students will be tasked with designing jewelry made from discarded materials, while startups will present existing solutions aligned with the award’s sustainability goals. Finalists will present their projects to the jury in Paris in July 2026 during Haute Couture Week. Winners will receive either mentorship from POLI*design or an internship opportunity within one of Kering’s Jewelry Maisons.
Kering said the initiative reinforces its commitment to responsible innovation by fostering collaboration between academia, startups and industry leaders to help shape a more sustainable future for jewelry.
Following the success of the inaugural edition at JCK Las Vegas 2025, the new award is organized in partnership with CIBJO and coordinated scientifically by POLI*design – Politecnico di Milano. The program is supported by Kering’s jewelry Maisons, including Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo and Qeelin.
Under the theme “Second Chance, First Choice,” the award aims to reduce the environmental impact of the jewelry sector through innovative solutions focused on new materials, artificial intelligence applications, sustainable packaging and retail-focused technologies. Ten leading universities and academies worldwide will take part, alongside startups developing practical solutions to improve sustainability across products, processes and services.
Students will be tasked with designing jewelry made from discarded materials, while startups will present existing solutions aligned with the award’s sustainability goals. Finalists will present their projects to the jury in Paris in July 2026 during Haute Couture Week. Winners will receive either mentorship from POLI*design or an internship opportunity within one of Kering’s Jewelry Maisons.
Kering said the initiative reinforces its commitment to responsible innovation by fostering collaboration between academia, startups and industry leaders to help shape a more sustainable future for jewelry.