BMO and One Young World Announce Winners of the Inaugural Generation Regen Challenge Recognizing Innovation in Regenerative Agriculture

BMO (TSX:BMO) and One Young World announced winners of the inaugural Generation Regen Challenge, supporting youth-led regenerative agriculture projects in Canada and the United States.

Rhea-AI Summary

BMO (TSX:BMO) and One Young World announced winners of the inaugural Generation Regen Challenge, supporting youth-led regenerative agriculture projects in Canada and the United States.

Two winners and four finalists receive grants plus scholarships to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town.

BMO also highlighted more than $124 million directed to communities in 2025, including $101 million in philanthropic contributions and over $40.3 million in employee-driven donations, alongside 54,000+ volunteer hours.

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On May 13, the day this news came out, BMO closed 1.50% below the previous close.

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Key Figures

Community investment: $124 million Philanthropic contributions: $101 million Volunteer hours: 54,000 hours +1 more

Community investment

$124 million

Directed in 2025 to drive progress for communities

Philanthropic contributions

$101 million

Donated in 2025 to charities and nonprofit organizations

Volunteer hours

54,000 hours

BMO employee volunteering in the community in 2025

Employee donations

$40.3 million

Employee-driven giving in annual campaigns in 2025

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 06

5 events

1. May 06

   Earnings timing update

   24h Move

   +2.6%

   Announced schedule for Q2 2026 results and investor conference call.

2. Apr 24

   AI podcast launch

   24h Move

   +0.3%

   Introduced Return on Intelligence podcast on AI and quantum decision-making.

3. Apr 22

   Housing survey release

   24h Move

   -0.1%

   Shared Real Financial Progress Index findings on U.S. homebuying trends.

4. Apr 14

   ESG award recognition

   24h Move

   +1.5%

   Received Social Bond of the Year award for labelled Indigenous Bond.

5. Apr 13

   Tech partnerships

   24h Move

   +1.3%

   Announced partnerships with Quantum Industry Canada and Chicago Quantum Exchange.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, nutrient recovery systems, +2 more

6 terms

regenerative agriculture technical

"The Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture takes an integrated approach"

A set of farming practices designed to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce erosion and chemical inputs so land becomes more productive and resilient over time. For investors, regenerative agriculture matters because it can lower long-term input costs, improve crop yields and supply-chain stability, reduce environmental and regulatory risks, and enhance brand value—similar to investing in regular maintenance that prevents costly breakdowns later.

biodiversity medical

"improve soil and water health, enhance biodiversity, promote animal welfare"

Biodiversity is the variety of living things — different species, genetic traits and natural habitats — that make ecosystems function. For investors it matters because healthy biodiversity supports predictable resources and services (like pollination, clean water and resilient supply chains); loss or damage can create regulatory, operational and reputational risks, and undermine long‑term returns. Think of it like diversity in a garden or a portfolio: more variety usually means greater stability and fewer single‑point failures.

carbon sequestration technical

"priority areas including regenerative farming practices, soil health and carbon sequestration"

The long-term capture and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or industrial sources, either by natural systems (forests, soils, wetlands) or by engineered methods (underground injection, chemical filters). It matters to investors because carbon sequestration can create new revenue streams, reduce companies' regulatory and reputational risks related to emissions, and require sizable capital investment—think of it as buying insurance or building infrastructure to lower a business’s future climate-related costs and liabilities.

nutrient recovery systems technical

"Green Mechanics designs and deploys nature‑based nutrient recovery systems"

Nutrient recovery systems are technologies that capture useful elements like nitrogen and phosphorus from waste streams (sewage, agricultural runoff, or food-processing effluent) and convert them into reusable products such as fertilizers. For investors, these systems matter because they can lower disposal costs, create new revenue from recycled inputs, and reduce regulatory and environmental risk—think of them as industrial-scale recycling that turns waste into a saleable commodity.

Algal Turf Scrubber (ATS) technical

"including Algal Turf Scrubber (ATS) technology, to convert excess nutrients"

An algal turf scrubber (ATS) is a water-cleaning system that grows dense mats of algae on shallow screens as water flows over them, letting the algae capture and remove excess nutrients, heavy metals and organic pollutants. Think of it like a living filter or grassy lawn that purifies wastewater while producing harvestable biomass. Investors care because ATS can reduce regulatory fines and treatment costs, generate saleable biomass or carbon credits, and support sustainability goals that affect valuation and market access.

Indigenous technical

"employ Indigenous and/or cultural practices, and contribute to equitable food security"

Indigenous describes people, communities, or species that originate from and have long-standing cultural, historical, or ancestral ties to a particular place. For investors, mentions of indigenous groups matter because their rights, land claims, and need for consultation can affect a project’s legal standing, timelines, costs, and public reputation—think of them as long-term neighbors whose permission and cooperation can make or break a local development.

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• Challenge supports young leaders advancing new solutions that restore ecosystems, strengthen food systems, and build long term agricultural and environmental resilience
  
  
• Climate smart initiatives improve soil and water health, enhance biodiversity, promote animal welfare, employ Indigenous and/or cultural practices, and contribute to equitable food security

TORONTO and CHICAGO, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - BMO, in partnership with One Young World, today announced the winners of the inaugural Generation Regen Challenge: Presented by BMO, a new initiative created to accelerate regenerative and sustainable agriculture across Canada and the United States. The Challenge recognizes and supports young leaders advancing innovative solutions that restore ecosystems, strengthen food systems, and build long‑term agricultural and environmental resilience.

Launched to respond to the growing need for climate‑smart agriculture, the Generation Regen Challenge supports regenerative approaches that improve soil and water health, enhance biodiversity, promote animal welfare, employ Indigenous and/or cultural practices, and contribute to equitable food security. Through targeted funding and global exposure, the Challenge aims to help innovators lead a transition toward agricultural systems that nourish the land while sustaining communities.

Following a competitive selection process, two organizations have been named Challenge Winners, each receiving a grant to accelerate their work. Four additional organizations have been selected as Challenge Finalists, also receiving funding to support the continued growth and impact of their projects. In addition, all winners and finalists will receive full scholarships to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, where they will join a global community of young leaders committed to positive change.

Challenge Winners: 

• Emily Harris, Victoria, Canada -The Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture takes an integrated approach to regenerative agriculture combining practical farmer training, food production for schools and food banks, and education programs reaching students of all ages

• Larry Davis, Chesapeake Bay Watershed, United States - Green Mechanics designs and deploys nature‑based nutrient recovery systems, including Algal Turf Scrubber (ATS) technology, to convert excess nutrients from stormwater and agricultural runoff into regenerative biomass and soil‑building inputs

Challenge Finalists:

• Diana Virgovicova, Xatoms, Canada 
• Ranah Chavoshi, PhyCo Technologies Inc., Canada 
• Marika Dewar‑Norosky, Manitoba Organics, Canada
• Emma Ekua‑Bedua Hudson, Food for Thought Foundation, United States 

Projects supported through the Generation Regen Challenge address priority areas including regenerative farming practices, soil health and carbon sequestration, water stewardship, biodiversity protection, crop diversity, Indigenous and cultural food systems, animal welfare, and access to safe and nutritious food for underserved communities.

"Through the Generation Regen Challenge, we are proud to support the next generation of leaders who are transforming agriculture for the future," said Sharon Haward-Laird, Group Head, Canadian Commercial Banking and North American Integrated Solutions. "These innovators are demonstrating how regenerative practices can strengthen environmental outcomes while fostering stronger communities and resilient and inclusive food systems."

Ella Robertson McKay, Managing Director of One Young World added, "Young leaders are critical to building a more sustainable agricultural future. Through the Generation Regen Challenge, One Young World is proud to support youth-led innovation delivering lasting environmental and social impact. We are deeply grateful to BMO for recognizing the importance of backing young leaders with meaningful capital and long-term support."

"The Generation Regen Challenge shows what is possible when ambition is matched by action. These teams are not just talking about the future, they are helping build it. That is what gives me hope. Congratulations to the winners," said Paul Polman, Business leader, investor, philanthropist, Generation Regen Challenge Judge and Chair of One Young World's Global Advisory Board.

Announced at the One Young World Summit, the Generation Regen Challenge reflects a shared commitment by BMO and One Young World to empower young innovators and scale solutions that drive meaningful change across North American food systems.

BMO Gives. Good grows here. 

Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO's Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.

In 2025, BMO directed more than $124 million to drive progress for communities, which included $101 million in philanthropic contributions to hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations across North America.

BMO employees spent over 54,000 hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than $40.3 million of donations through employee-driven giving in the bank's annual campaigns.

For more information, please visit BMO.com

About One Young World

One Young World is the largest global network of young people who are making positive change across communities and businesses. Its mission is to identify, connect, and elevate the next generation of global leaders from all sectors.

Made up of more than 20,000+ Ambassadors from 196 countries, the One Young World community focuses on making the world a better place. Member-led initiatives are improving access to global health and education, campaigning for equal opportunity in the workplace, and pushing forward the circular economy. Collectively, the work of the community has positively impacted the lives of 60 million people worldwide, and has generated more than $4 billion in social capital since 2018.

Many of the world's most prominent political, social, humanitarian and business leaders support the work of One Young World through its annual Summit. The next Summit will take place in Cape Town in 2026.

For more information about One Young World, please visit What we do | One Young World

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bmo-and-one-young-world-announce-winners-of-the-inaugural-generation-regen-challenge-recognizing-innovation-in-regenerative-agriculture-302770471.html

SOURCE BMO Financial Group

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What is the Generation Regen Challenge presented by BMO (TSX:BMO)?

The Generation Regen Challenge is a BMO and One Young World initiative funding youth-led regenerative agriculture projects in Canada and the United States. According to BMO, it supports climate-smart solutions that restore ecosystems, improve soil and water health, and strengthen resilient food systems.

Who won the inaugural Generation Regen Challenge backed by BMO (TSX:BMO)?

The first Generation Regen Challenge named Emily Harris of the Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture and Larry Davis of Green Mechanics as winners. According to BMO, both receive grants and scholarships to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa.

Which projects were finalists in the 2026 Generation Regen Challenge by BMO?

Four finalists were selected: projects led by Diana Virgovicova (Xatoms), Ranah Chavoshi (PhyCo Technologies), Marika Dewar-Norosky (Manitoba Organics), and Emma Ekua-Bedua Hudson (Food for Thought Foundation). According to BMO, each receives funding and a full scholarship to the One Young World Summit.

How much did BMO (TSX:BMO) contribute to communities in 2025?

According to BMO, the bank directed more than $124 million toward community progress in 2025, including $101 million in philanthropic contributions. Employees added over $40.3 million in donations and more than 54,000 volunteer hours through various community initiatives.

How does the Generation Regen Challenge support regenerative agriculture innovators?

The Generation Regen Challenge provides grants, visibility, and One Young World Summit scholarships to selected projects. According to BMO, supported initiatives focus on soil health, water stewardship, biodiversity, animal welfare, Indigenous and cultural food systems, and equitable access to nutritious food.