The finalist projects of the 8th International Innovative Natural Stone Design Competition, organized within the scope of Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, one of the most important meeting points of the natural stone industry, have been announced. In the competition, which received applications from 67 universities across 8 countries, 19 finalists were selected by the jury and qualified to move into the production phase.
Organized by İZFAŞ under the hosting of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the competition will take place as part of the 31st Marble İzmir Fair, to be held at Fuar İzmir between April 14–17, 2026. Bringing young designers together with the natural stone sector, this year’s competition, held under the theme of decorative home accessories, received a total of 724 project applications from 8 countries, including Türkiye, Germany, Albania, Bulgaria, and Poland.
Designers and companies met at Fuar İzmir
Following jury evaluations and meetings with industry representatives, 19 designs advanced to the final and were approved for production. The finalist designers presented their projects to leading manufacturing companies at the designer–company meeting held at Fuar İzmir. As a result of the evaluations, designer–company matchings were established, including collaborations such as Arda Uluç Aydın – Gürmas Makina, Begüm Sucu – Megamer, Berke Güntürk, Begüm Kübra Çetin and Beste Çetin – Kar Maden, Beyza Doğan – Alimoğlu Marble – Granite İzmir, Ece İldeniz – Sirmersan Mermer, Defne Turan – Çizgi Mermer Granit, Gülşah Kamacı – Megamer, Hilal Akyüz – Ebla Stone, Hümeyra Kocayiğit (with two projects) – Başaranlar Marble, Kerem Iskar – İz Granit Madencilik, Tuğba Koşak – Dokuz Eylül University Vocational School, Ulviye Akgul, Büşra Nur Kılınçarslan and Arda Deniz Yücel – Laodikeia Marble, Ayşe Melek Güngör – Şenler Marble, Batuhan Duran – Mercan Tasarım, Oğuz Erten – Alimoğlu Marble Afyon and Sirmersan Mermer, Şüheda Nur Akpınar – Megamer, and Yağmur Çelik – Mercan Tasarım.
Erdoğan Akbulak’s legacy to be honored
İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu emphasized the competition’s contribution to the sector, stating that it is seen as a strategic investment in the future of the natural stone industry. She noted that the competition not only enables young designers to enter the sector but also highlights the production capabilities and value-added potential of companies. Cumalıoğlu also announced a special award to be given this year in memory of Erdoğan Akbulak, owner of Silkar Madencilik, who recently passed away, to honor his contributions to the sector and Marble İzmir.
Strong support from producers
Industry representatives supporting the competition highlighted its unique structure and impact. Remzi Boncuk, Founding Partner of Çizgi Mermer Granit and a jury member, noted that the competition stands out by ensuring that finalist designs are actually produced and evaluated in real scale, unlike many competitions that rely solely on visuals or renderings. This approach, he stated, makes it a model that could serve as an example globally and provides valuable educational experience for students.
Mehmet Serter, Vice Chairman of TÜMMER and Board Member of Başaranlar Marble, emphasized the competition’s growing international success and its importance for the future of the sector. He stated that it allows young architects and designers to engage with natural stone beyond theory, within real project and production processes, and demonstrates Türkiye’s strong production capabilities in natural stone.
A gateway from design to production for young talents
Jury Member and Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Selçuk Demirci described the competition as a significant opportunity for students to witness the transition from design to production and to take their first steps into the industry, highlighting the value of seeing their designs come to life.
Awards to be presented on opening day
The produced designs will be exhibited during the final and award ceremony on April 14, 2026, as part of Marble İzmir Fair. The competition offers prizes of 200,000 TL for first place, 130,000 TL for second, and 65,000 TL for third. Additional awards include the Aegean Exporters’ Associations Special Award, company special awards, design registration support, software and holiday prizes, as well as production and internship opportunities. A 3D printer will be awarded to the university with the highest number of applications.
Aim: value-added production and global competitiveness
The competition aims to foster high value-added design, enhance the international competitiveness of the natural stone sector, and support young designers. Participants compete with projects developed using natural stone or its by-products, including decorative home accessories, standalone furniture, value-added home and office products, as well as designs such as sinks and bathtubs. The feasibility of production remains a key evaluation criterion, with the process overseen by a jury of experienced professionals from academia, design, and industry.