The Giuliano Grassi Prize 2026 is awarded to Maarten van Dijk in recognition of his enduring commitment to the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and for leading SkyNRG to a prominent position within the European and global SAF market through innovative processes, business models, and value chains.

Throghout his career, Maarten van Dijk has played a key role in advancing the sustainable aviation sector and has consistently contributed to professional, policy, and industrial debates by promoting progressive ideas and forward-looking strategies for the further development of SAF.

Widely regarded as a visionary within the global sustainable aviation fuel community, he has been instrumental in strengthening SkyNRG’s leadership in the decarbonisation of aviation and in accelerating the transition towards more sustainable air transport solutions.

His dedication, leadership, and contribution to the advancement of sustainable aviation make him a highly deserving recipient of the Giuliano Grassi Prize 2026.

This award honors the legacy of Dr. Giuliano Grassi, who dedicated his life to advancing biomass market deployment. The Giuliano Grassi Prize recognizes exceptional scientific, technical, or managerial achievements in the industrial deployment of biomass, awarded to individuals with a history of continuous accomplishments.