Kering launches the “Kering Generation Award X Jewelry”, the first award pushing sustainability and innovation in the jewelry industry involving universities and start-ups

Kering, in partnership with CIBJO - The World Jewellery Confederation – and with the scientific coordination of Poli.Design - Politecnico di Milano, introduces the “Kering Generation Award X Jewelry”, expanding its commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability within the jewelry sector. 

Aligned with Boucheron's vision within the Kering group, this initiative champions creativity and responsible innovation while driving positive transformation across the jewelry sector. This new “Kering Generation Award X Jewelry” seeks to recognize visionary talent demonstrating excellence in sustainable design and jewelry-making practices, by building an international community of young students and start-uppers committed to transforming the industry. 

Kering, alongside its jewelry brands —Boucheron, Pomellato and Qeelin— and with the scientific coordination of Poli.Design - Politecnico di Milano, will organize an international contest featuring 10 world-renowned universities and academies specializing in jewelry and sustainability, as well as established start-ups in the jewelry sector:

• Each participating institution will submit at least 3 projects, with students receiving guidance from local professors throughout the development process 

• Start-ups will showcase their own innovations
   

 Among all the projects submitted, 4 finalists - 2 for the student’s category and 2 for the start-up category - will be presented to the jury next June 2025 at JCK, one of the world’s largest jewelry industry trade events.

Under the theme 'Second Chance, First Choice,' the inaugural 'Kering Generation Award X Jewelry' draws inspiration from Boucheron's pioneering spirit - a Maison that has pushed creative boundaries since 1858. As Creative Director, Claire Choisne honors this legacy by constantly questioning the notion of preciousness, exploring unconventional materials or techniques. This audacious vision materialized in September 2022 with one an Innovative Capsule using Cofalit®. Obtained by upcycling industrial waste through a unique vitrification process, Cofalit® is the most recycled matter there is, and has been dubbed “final material”. Many months of research and processing were needed to transform it into a material worthy of fine jewelry, and one that met Boucheron’s exacting standards of excellence and precision. 

Following this bold initiative, the award invites students and start-ups to reimagine waste as a resource, creating jewelry that turns discarded materials into valuable pieces. This initiative challenges the traditional concept of waste by exploring the potential of creative reuse. Participants are encouraged to design a jewel—whether a single piece or a collection—that transforms waste into something valuable, showcasing the intangible power of creativity.

“Kering Generation Award X Jewelry” embodies the values of innovation and sustainability that are essential for shaping a future where beauty aligns with ethics. By bringing together young talents from leading academical institutions worldwide and start-ups, we are creating a collaborative platform that celebrates creativity and sustainability. We invite students and start-uppers to join us on this journey, to inspire, to innovate, and to lead together the future of sustainable jewelry.”, stated the Professor Alba Cappellieri, Head of Jewelry at Politecnico di Milano and scientific coordinator of the Awards. 

"Extending our Kering Generation Awards to jewelry is a pivotal moment in our commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in this industry," said Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer. "This new edition, which brings together universities, start-ups, and future leaders, is designed to recognize and support those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable jewelry. At Kering, we believe that fostering new ideas at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental consciousness is essential to driving the transformative change the industry needs."
 

About Poli.Design - Politecnico di Milano
Poli.Design is a consortium of Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s leading technical university that ranks among the top engineering, architecture, and design schools globally. Known for its emphasis on innovation, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the university plays a leading role in advancing sustainable practices and fostering talent in fields that shape the future. Through partnerships with industry leaders like Kering, Poli.Design supports the next generation of designers and engineers dedicated to developing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable world. 
 

About the Kering Generation Award
In 2017, as part of its Sustainability strategy, Kering joined the "Plug and Play - Fashion for Good" accelerator to identify more sustainable and innovative materials and processes in Europe. In 2018, in partnership with Plug and Play China, Kering launched the first edition of the "Kering Generation Award" to support Chinese start-ups with a positive environmental and social impact. Since then, the "Kering Generation Award" has been launched in Japan, and then in Saudi Arabia with the support of the Fashion Commission.