Fifth Edition of Makeitalia’s Supply Chain Challenge Concludes

The University of Padua once again claims gold

On September 15, the fifth edition of the Supply Chain Challenge officially came to an end at the Modena Golf & Country Club. More than 1,200 students from 24 Italian universities competed over the course of eight months to earn a place in the Finals, where Makeitalia crowned the 2026 Italian Supply Chain Champions.

Supply Chain Challenge: what is it?

The fifth edition of the Supply Chain Challenge, the initiative conceived and promoted by Makeitalia, officially concluded on September 15 at the Modena Golf & Country Club. Each year, the competition engages Master’s degree students in Management Engineering from across Italy in an immersive learning experience focused on the world of Supply Chain management.

Over more than eight months of qualification rounds, students competed through the Supply Chain Game, the training tool developed by Makeitalia that recreates operational and decision-making scenarios inspired by the real dynamics that characterize supply chains. At the end of the competition journey, the best teams secured a place in the Finals, where the 2026 Italian Supply Chain Champions were officially crowned.

The Supply Chain Challenge was created with the goal of bringing young talents closer to the increasingly complex challenges of Supply Chain management, offering them a practical and highly professional learning experience in which teamwork, adaptability and strategic thinking are essential factors for achieving concrete results.

The 2026 Italian Supply Chain Champions

At the end of the competition, the three teams that stood out for their performance, management capabilities, and strategic approach were awarded.

For the third consecutive year, the title of 2026 Italian Supply Chain Champions was awarded to the University of Padua DTG, represented by the team composed of Alessandro Levorato, Michele Piva and Sara Scattin.

The silver medal went to Anna Borello and Alessio Luchetta from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, while the bronze medal was awarded to a second team from the University of Padua DTG, composed of Francesco Bigarella, Carlo Businaro and Davide Lucchin.

A bridge between Universities, Businesses and Local Communities

The Finals represent an important opportunity for interaction between the academic world and the business community.

The event was attended by the partner companies of the fifth edition, namely Banco BPM, Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A., DSV – Global Transport and Logistics, and Ferrari, which shared their experiences, expertise, and insights with students on the challenges that currently characterize Supply Chain management and other key issues within their respective industries.

In addition, the participation of representatives from local institutions and business associations was particularly significant, including Marco Casolari, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Formigine; Riccardo Monti, Head of Environment, Safety, Energy and Territory at Confindustria Emilia Area Centro; and Davide Baruffi, Regional Councillor for Strategic Planning and Implementation of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Programme. Their presence highlights the importance of a strong local and institutional network in supporting the professional development that today’s job market increasingly requires.

Talent and meritocracy to tackle the challenges of the future

Among the key topics discussed during the event, particular attention was given to the increasingly strategic role of skills related to Supply Chain Management and the need to invest in the next generation of professionals.

In a sector that continues to evolve rapidly and faces a growing demand for specialized expertise, identifying and nurturing talent is a fundamental driver of business competitiveness and the development of the economic system as a whole.

Talent, meritocracy, teamwork, and collaboration were the core values that inspired the entire initiative, encapsulated in the 2026 edition’s motto:

“The best talents to overcome global Supply Chain challenges. Together.“

This message was also reinforced by Marcello Carretta, Co-Founder of Makeitalia, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities and companies in developing educational pathways capable of preparing the professionals of tomorrow.

Looking ahead

With over 1,200 students involved, 24 participating universities, and a growing network of partner companies and institutions, the Supply Chain Challenge continues to fulfil its mission: identifying and nurturing talent while serving as a concrete bridge between universities, businesses, and local communities.

A mission that, year after year, continues to strengthen these connections, preparing new generations for the challenges that lie ahead in future supply chains and contributing to the development of the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and global economic landscape.