Tag: 3BL

From a Games delivery model centred on existing and temporary venues to programmes that promote active lifestyles and socio-economic development across mountain and urban areas, Milano Cortina 2026 is designed to deliver outstanding sport while creating lasting value for host communities.

International Olympic Committee news

Key facts

• Milano Cortina 2026’s iconic venues span Northern Italy, with 85 per cent of competition venues existing or temporary (11 of 13), significantly reducing the need for new construction.
• More than 330 initiatives are inspiring healthy lifestyles and inclusion, including the Gen26 Education Programme (1.5 million students engaged) and Italia dei Giochi (which has involved over five million people).
• According to estimates by Bocconi and Ca’ Foscari Universities, the Games are expected to generate over EUR 5 billion in net economic impact for Italy and create 36,000 new jobs.

For more than a century, the Olympic Winter Games have helped winter sport develop and deliver lasting benefits for host regions. Today, in the face of climate and socio-economic challenges, the Games are evolving. The IOC’s approach to Olympic legacy focuses on a more flexible model that maximises existing venues, reduces environmental impact and strengthens community resilience — and Milano Cortina 2026 reflects this evolution.

Designed around Northern Italy’s existing infrastructure, strong winter-sport heritage and clearly defined community priorities, Milano Cortina 2026 is not only about delivering outstanding sport but also about accelerating long-term development and strengthening resilience across both mountain and urban areas.

^{© 2026 Getty Images}

Making the most of existing venues

Milano Cortina 2026 spans Northern Italy’s iconic winter sports venues, with 85 per cent of competition venues existing or temporary, significantly reducing the need for new construction.

Eleven of the thirteen competition venues are existing or temporary, including established sites in Bormio, Val di Fiemme and Anterselva, which are continuing their legacy as world-class hosts of international events.

“By adapting to what already exists, the organisers are reducing environmental impact, leveraging proven local expertise, spreading opportunities across regions, and accelerating projects that meet community needs.”
Arram Kim
IOC Head of Legacy

^{© © 2026 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / CIANCAGLINI, Emmanuele}

Inspiring active lifestyles

Milano Cortina 2026 is also supporting active lifestyles and inclusion through initiatives designed to reach people of all ages.

For the first time, sport is now explicitly referenced in the Italian Constitution, creating a stronger foundation for increased investment in sport at both national and regional levels.

More than 330 initiatives are already promoting movement and well-being. Through the Gen26 Education Programme, 1.5 million students have engaged in Olympic and Paralympic activities. Italia dei Giochi , has involved more than five million people nationwide through community sport events.

Accelerating socio-economic development

The Games are supporting Northern Italy’s long-term development by accelerating existing regional plans– from urban regeneration in Milan to improvements in transport links, accessibility, electricity distribution and medical services in mountain communities.

“These were investments that were already part of our long-term plans. Thanks to the Games, all these investments were accelerated, and Italian citizens will benefit from them,” said Iacopo Mazzetti, Legacy Director of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.

In Milan, the Olympic Village has transformed a former railway yard into a sustainable urban district, which is set to become student housing after the Games. In mountain areas, upgrades to electricity distribution systems and medical services are improving energy resilience of local communities.

According to estimates by Bocconi and Ca’ Foscari Universities, the Games are expected to generate over EUR 5 billion in net economic impact for Italy and create 36,000 new jobs. A post-Games report is planned to compare outcomes against these pre-Games estimates.

^{© Getty Images}

Supporting local and social businesses

Through the Impact 2026 social procurement programme, more than EUR 1.77 million in Games-related procurement has been awarded to local social and micro-enterprises — supporting SMEs and helping create skills and jobs.

^{© 2026 Getty Images}

The legacy of this approach will extend beyond 2026, with the model also set to support the delivery of the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games. The Games have also created opportunities for staff and volunteers to develop skills and experience can support future events.

“Volunteers are a fundamental heritage of Milano Cortina 2026,” said Iacopo Mazzetti. “More than 18,000 were trained, and they will benefit from it for their future lives, and also in the Italian sports system.”

 

From a Games delivery model centred on existing and temporary venues to programmes that promote active lifestyles and socio-economic development across mountain and urban areas, Milano Cortina 2026 is designed to deliver outstanding sport while creating lasting value for host communities.

International Olympic Committee news

Key facts

• Milano Cortina 2026’s iconic venues span Northern Italy, with 85 per cent of competition venues existing or temporary (11 of 13), significantly reducing the need for new construction.
• More than 330 initiatives are inspiring healthy lifestyles and inclusion, including the Gen26 Education Programme (1.5 million students engaged) and Italia dei Giochi (which has involved over five million people).
• According to estimates by Bocconi and Ca’ Foscari Universities, the Games are expected to generate over EUR 5 billion in net economic impact for Italy and create 36,000 new jobs.

For more than a century, the Olympic Winter Games have helped winter sport develop and deliver lasting benefits for host regions. Today, in the face of climate and socio-economic challenges, the Games are evolving. The IOC’s approach to Olympic legacy focuses on a more flexible model that maximises existing venues, reduces environmental impact and strengthens community resilience — and Milano Cortina 2026 reflects this evolution.

Designed around Northern Italy’s existing infrastructure, strong winter-sport heritage and clearly defined community priorities, Milano Cortina 2026 is not only about delivering outstanding sport but also about accelerating long-term development and strengthening resilience across both mountain and urban areas.

^{© 2026 Getty Images}

Making the most of existing venues

Milano Cortina 2026 spans Northern Italy’s iconic winter sports venues, with 85 per cent of competition venues existing or temporary, significantly reducing the need for new construction.

Eleven of the thirteen competition venues are existing or temporary, including established sites in Bormio, Val di Fiemme and Anterselva, which are continuing their legacy as world-class hosts of international events.

“By adapting to what already exists, the organisers are reducing environmental impact, leveraging proven local expertise, spreading opportunities across regions, and accelerating projects that meet community needs.”
Arram Kim
IOC Head of Legacy

^{© © 2026 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / CIANCAGLINI, Emmanuele}

Inspiring active lifestyles

Milano Cortina 2026 is also supporting active lifestyles and inclusion through initiatives designed to reach people of all ages.

For the first time, sport is now explicitly referenced in the Italian Constitution, creating a stronger foundation for increased investment in sport at both national and regional levels.

More than 330 initiatives are already promoting movement and well-being. Through the Gen26 Education Programme, 1.5 million students have engaged in Olympic and Paralympic activities. Italia dei Giochi , has involved more than five million people nationwide through community sport events.

Accelerating socio-economic development

The Games are supporting Northern Italy’s long-term development by accelerating existing regional plans– from urban regeneration in Milan to improvements in transport links, accessibility, electricity distribution and medical services in mountain communities.

“These were investments that were already part of our long-term plans. Thanks to the Games, all these investments were accelerated, and Italian citizens will benefit from them,” said Iacopo Mazzetti, Legacy Director of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.

In Milan, the Olympic Village has transformed a former railway yard into a sustainable urban district, which is set to become student housing after the Games. In mountain areas, upgrades to electricity distribution systems and medical services are improving energy resilience of local communities.

According to estimates by Bocconi and Ca’ Foscari Universities, the Games are expected to generate over EUR 5 billion in net economic impact for Italy and create 36,000 new jobs. A post-Games report is planned to compare outcomes against these pre-Games estimates.

^{© Getty Images}

Supporting local and social businesses

Through the Impact 2026 social procurement programme, more than EUR 1.77 million in Games-related procurement has been awarded to local social and micro-enterprises — supporting SMEs and helping create skills and jobs.

^{© 2026 Getty Images}

The legacy of this approach will extend beyond 2026, with the model also set to support the delivery of the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games. The Games have also created opportunities for staff and volunteers to develop skills and experience can support future events.

“Volunteers are a fundamental heritage of Milano Cortina 2026,” said Iacopo Mazzetti. “More than 18,000 were trained, and they will benefit from it for their future lives, and also in the Italian sports system.”

 

From a Games delivery model centred on existing and temporary venues to programmes that promote active lifestyles and socio-economic development across mountain and urban areas, Milano Cortina 2026 is designed to deliver outstanding sport while creating lasting value for host communities.

International Olympic Committee news

Key facts

• Milano Cortina 2026’s iconic venues span Northern Italy, with 85 per cent of competition venues existing or temporary (11 of 13), significantly reducing the need for new construction.
• More than 330 initiatives are inspiring healthy lifestyles and inclusion, including the Gen26 Education Programme (1.5 million students engaged) and Italia dei Giochi (which has involved over five million people).
• According to estimates by Bocconi and Ca’ Foscari Universities, the Games are expected to generate over EUR 5 billion in net economic impact for Italy and create 36,000 new jobs.

For more than a century, the Olympic Winter Games have helped winter sport develop and deliver lasting benefits for host regions. Today, in the face of climate and socio-economic challenges, the Games are evolving. The IOC’s approach to Olympic legacy focuses on a more flexible model that maximises existing venues, reduces environmental impact and strengthens community resilience — and Milano Cortina 2026 reflects this evolution.

Designed around Northern Italy’s existing infrastructure, strong winter-sport heritage and clearly defined community priorities, Milano Cortina 2026 is not only about delivering outstanding sport but also about accelerating long-term development and strengthening resilience across both mountain and urban areas.

^{© 2026 Getty Images}

Making the most of existing venues

Milano Cortina 2026 spans Northern Italy’s iconic winter sports venues, with 85 per cent of competition venues existing or temporary, significantly reducing the need for new construction.

Eleven of the thirteen competition venues are existing or temporary, including established sites in Bormio, Val di Fiemme and Anterselva, which are continuing their legacy as world-class hosts of international events.

“By adapting to what already exists, the organisers are reducing environmental impact, leveraging proven local expertise, spreading opportunities across regions, and accelerating projects that meet community needs.”
Arram Kim
IOC Head of Legacy

^{© © 2026 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / CIANCAGLINI, Emmanuele}

Inspiring active lifestyles

Milano Cortina 2026 is also supporting active lifestyles and inclusion through initiatives designed to reach people of all ages.

For the first time, sport is now explicitly referenced in the Italian Constitution, creating a stronger foundation for increased investment in sport at both national and regional levels.

More than 330 initiatives are already promoting movement and well-being. Through the Gen26 Education Programme, 1.5 million students have engaged in Olympic and Paralympic activities. Italia dei Giochi , has involved more than five million people nationwide through community sport events.

Accelerating socio-economic development

The Games are supporting Northern Italy’s long-term development by accelerating existing regional plans– from urban regeneration in Milan to improvements in transport links, accessibility, electricity distribution and medical services in mountain communities.

“These were investments that were already part of our long-term plans. Thanks to the Games, all these investments were accelerated, and Italian citizens will benefit from them,” said Iacopo Mazzetti, Legacy Director of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.

In Milan, the Olympic Village has transformed a former railway yard into a sustainable urban district, which is set to become student housing after the Games. In mountain areas, upgrades to electricity distribution systems and medical services are improving energy resilience of local communities.

According to estimates by Bocconi and Ca’ Foscari Universities, the Games are expected to generate over EUR 5 billion in net economic impact for Italy and create 36,000 new jobs. A post-Games report is planned to compare outcomes against these pre-Games estimates.

^{© Getty Images}

Supporting local and social businesses

Through the Impact 2026 social procurement programme, more than EUR 1.77 million in Games-related procurement has been awarded to local social and micro-enterprises — supporting SMEs and helping create skills and jobs.

^{© 2026 Getty Images}

The legacy of this approach will extend beyond 2026, with the model also set to support the delivery of the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games. The Games have also created opportunities for staff and volunteers to develop skills and experience can support future events.

“Volunteers are a fundamental heritage of Milano Cortina 2026,” said Iacopo Mazzetti. “More than 18,000 were trained, and they will benefit from it for their future lives, and also in the Italian sports system.”

 

Published by Las Vegas Sands on December 29, 2025

In a ceremony at The Londoner Macao® on Nov. 17, Sands China officially launched the Sands Responsible Gaming Academy, a specialized venture under the Sands China Academy for training and development.

The academy will promote responsible gaming principles and practices across the Macao community, enhance Team Member education around responsible gaming, and help Macao build a more robust and sustainable responsible gaming environment.

Sands China also announced a collaboration with the University of Macau to strengthen industry-academia cooperation, with emphasis on research exchange, talent cultivation and local program implementation to align with the Macao SAR Government’s policies to promote public education and enhance societal understanding of responsible gaming.

“Sands China regards Macao as its home and is firmly committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility – promoting responsible gaming is therefore our mission, as we strive to foster a healthy environment and contribute to Macao’s sustainable development,” Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China, said. “We will continue to work hand in hand with all sectors of society to promote Macao’s responsible gaming culture, cultivate more outstanding talent, raise industry standards, and contribute to the long-term development of Macao’s community and the tourism and leisure industry.”

The November ceremony also featured a certificate presentation to graduates of the RG360 Macau Responsible Gaming Specialist Ambassador Course, a collaborative offering from Sands China and the University of Macau’s Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming (ISCG).

Launched in 2023, the first-in-market training program, specifically customized for Macao, helps frontline workers increase their knowledge of gambling disorders and ways to assist guests.

The course covers three areas: identifying responsible gaming scenarios and applying appropriate intervention methods; strengthening cross-cultural communication skills to support guests from diverse backgrounds; and enhancing case-handling and communication abilities through scenario-based exercises.

Each element of the responsible gaming ceremony represented the strong foundation Sands China has established in responsible gaming education. Beyond Team Member training, the company also conducts a number of activities to extend awareness of responsible gaming to Team Member families, guests and the local community.

For example, in August Sands China hosted a Responsible Gaming Parent-Child Happy Carnival at The Londoner Macao® in partnership with five local nongovernmental organizations. Held for the third year, the event offered Team Members and their families fun and interactive activities to educate about good financial habits.

In addition, Sands China facilitates community workshops, road shows and public education campaigns to raise awareness about responsible gaming and has donated more than $1.1 million for responsible gaming research and educational programs since 2006.

To learn more about Sands’ commitment to responsible gaming, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/.

Published by Las Vegas Sands on December 29, 2025

In a ceremony at The Londoner Macao® on Nov. 17, Sands China officially launched the Sands Responsible Gaming Academy, a specialized venture under the Sands China Academy for training and development.

The academy will promote responsible gaming principles and practices across the Macao community, enhance Team Member education around responsible gaming, and help Macao build a more robust and sustainable responsible gaming environment.

Sands China also announced a collaboration with the University of Macau to strengthen industry-academia cooperation, with emphasis on research exchange, talent cultivation and local program implementation to align with the Macao SAR Government’s policies to promote public education and enhance societal understanding of responsible gaming.

“Sands China regards Macao as its home and is firmly committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility – promoting responsible gaming is therefore our mission, as we strive to foster a healthy environment and contribute to Macao’s sustainable development,” Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China, said. “We will continue to work hand in hand with all sectors of society to promote Macao’s responsible gaming culture, cultivate more outstanding talent, raise industry standards, and contribute to the long-term development of Macao’s community and the tourism and leisure industry.”

The November ceremony also featured a certificate presentation to graduates of the RG360 Macau Responsible Gaming Specialist Ambassador Course, a collaborative offering from Sands China and the University of Macau’s Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming (ISCG).

Launched in 2023, the first-in-market training program, specifically customized for Macao, helps frontline workers increase their knowledge of gambling disorders and ways to assist guests.

The course covers three areas: identifying responsible gaming scenarios and applying appropriate intervention methods; strengthening cross-cultural communication skills to support guests from diverse backgrounds; and enhancing case-handling and communication abilities through scenario-based exercises.

Each element of the responsible gaming ceremony represented the strong foundation Sands China has established in responsible gaming education. Beyond Team Member training, the company also conducts a number of activities to extend awareness of responsible gaming to Team Member families, guests and the local community.

For example, in August Sands China hosted a Responsible Gaming Parent-Child Happy Carnival at The Londoner Macao® in partnership with five local nongovernmental organizations. Held for the third year, the event offered Team Members and their families fun and interactive activities to educate about good financial habits.

In addition, Sands China facilitates community workshops, road shows and public education campaigns to raise awareness about responsible gaming and has donated more than $1.1 million for responsible gaming research and educational programs since 2006.

To learn more about Sands’ commitment to responsible gaming, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/.

Published by Las Vegas Sands on December 29, 2025

In a ceremony at The Londoner Macao® on Nov. 17, Sands China officially launched the Sands Responsible Gaming Academy, a specialized venture under the Sands China Academy for training and development.

The academy will promote responsible gaming principles and practices across the Macao community, enhance Team Member education around responsible gaming, and help Macao build a more robust and sustainable responsible gaming environment.

Sands China also announced a collaboration with the University of Macau to strengthen industry-academia cooperation, with emphasis on research exchange, talent cultivation and local program implementation to align with the Macao SAR Government’s policies to promote public education and enhance societal understanding of responsible gaming.

“Sands China regards Macao as its home and is firmly committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility – promoting responsible gaming is therefore our mission, as we strive to foster a healthy environment and contribute to Macao’s sustainable development,” Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China, said. “We will continue to work hand in hand with all sectors of society to promote Macao’s responsible gaming culture, cultivate more outstanding talent, raise industry standards, and contribute to the long-term development of Macao’s community and the tourism and leisure industry.”

The November ceremony also featured a certificate presentation to graduates of the RG360 Macau Responsible Gaming Specialist Ambassador Course, a collaborative offering from Sands China and the University of Macau’s Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming (ISCG).

Launched in 2023, the first-in-market training program, specifically customized for Macao, helps frontline workers increase their knowledge of gambling disorders and ways to assist guests.

The course covers three areas: identifying responsible gaming scenarios and applying appropriate intervention methods; strengthening cross-cultural communication skills to support guests from diverse backgrounds; and enhancing case-handling and communication abilities through scenario-based exercises.

Each element of the responsible gaming ceremony represented the strong foundation Sands China has established in responsible gaming education. Beyond Team Member training, the company also conducts a number of activities to extend awareness of responsible gaming to Team Member families, guests and the local community.

For example, in August Sands China hosted a Responsible Gaming Parent-Child Happy Carnival at The Londoner Macao® in partnership with five local nongovernmental organizations. Held for the third year, the event offered Team Members and their families fun and interactive activities to educate about good financial habits.

In addition, Sands China facilitates community workshops, road shows and public education campaigns to raise awareness about responsible gaming and has donated more than $1.1 million for responsible gaming research and educational programs since 2006.

To learn more about Sands’ commitment to responsible gaming, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/.

NAMPA, Idaho, March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – The Idaho FFA Foundation recently received a $200,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support its Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grant Program for Idaho FFA members.

Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) give FFA students meaningful opportunities to apply classroom learning in real settings, including exploring agricultural careers, conducting research, managing projects, and building basic financial skills through budgeting and record keeping. SAEs are a central part of the FFA Three Circle Model, which combines classroom instruction, leadership development, and hands on experience to create a well-rounded approach to agricultural education.

This investment will provide hundreds of FFA members across Idaho with the opportunity to start or expand their SAE projects, allowing them to gain experience in areas such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and project management. Living to serve is a central FFA value, and many students naturally reflect that spirit in their work. Projects range from floral arrangements that bring comfort to families at memorial services to providing locally produced goods that contribute to local life, as well as service-based efforts that often grow into small businesses rooted in rural needs. Through these projects, students put their skills to work in meaningful ways, whether they are mowing lawns for local families, building websites for small farms or ag related entrepreneurs, repairing or fabricating equipment, or taking part in forestry or natural resource activities that strengthen the place they call home.

“The Idaho FFA Foundation is thrilled to receive this support from Wells Fargo. Their leadership in supporting rural schools and FFA programs is truly impactful. We’re grateful to offer expanded opportunities for Idaho FFA members through this program,” shared Carly Jordan, Executive Director of the Idaho FFA Foundation.

Grants will be administered by the Idaho FFA Foundation and are open to Idaho FFA members. Visit GrowIdahoFFA.org for more information.

About Idaho FFA Foundation

Established in 1980, the Idaho FFA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and gives companies, organizations and individuals the opportunity to provide financial resources and cooperation in support of Idaho FFA and agriculture education programs. The Idaho FFA Foundation provides financial support to Idaho FFA Association leadership and career development activities helping Idaho FFA members grow and succeed.

To learn more or donate, visit www.GrowIdahoFFA.org.

Media

Carly Jordan, Carly@GrowIdahoFFA.org

Source: Idaho FFA Foundation

NAMPA, Idaho, March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – The Idaho FFA Foundation recently received a $200,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support its Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grant Program for Idaho FFA members.

Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) give FFA students meaningful opportunities to apply classroom learning in real settings, including exploring agricultural careers, conducting research, managing projects, and building basic financial skills through budgeting and record keeping. SAEs are a central part of the FFA Three Circle Model, which combines classroom instruction, leadership development, and hands on experience to create a well-rounded approach to agricultural education.

This investment will provide hundreds of FFA members across Idaho with the opportunity to start or expand their SAE projects, allowing them to gain experience in areas such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and project management. Living to serve is a central FFA value, and many students naturally reflect that spirit in their work. Projects range from floral arrangements that bring comfort to families at memorial services to providing locally produced goods that contribute to local life, as well as service-based efforts that often grow into small businesses rooted in rural needs. Through these projects, students put their skills to work in meaningful ways, whether they are mowing lawns for local families, building websites for small farms or ag related entrepreneurs, repairing or fabricating equipment, or taking part in forestry or natural resource activities that strengthen the place they call home.

“The Idaho FFA Foundation is thrilled to receive this support from Wells Fargo. Their leadership in supporting rural schools and FFA programs is truly impactful. We’re grateful to offer expanded opportunities for Idaho FFA members through this program,” shared Carly Jordan, Executive Director of the Idaho FFA Foundation.

Grants will be administered by the Idaho FFA Foundation and are open to Idaho FFA members. Visit GrowIdahoFFA.org for more information.

About Idaho FFA Foundation

Established in 1980, the Idaho FFA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and gives companies, organizations and individuals the opportunity to provide financial resources and cooperation in support of Idaho FFA and agriculture education programs. The Idaho FFA Foundation provides financial support to Idaho FFA Association leadership and career development activities helping Idaho FFA members grow and succeed.

To learn more or donate, visit www.GrowIdahoFFA.org.

Media

Carly Jordan, Carly@GrowIdahoFFA.org

Source: Idaho FFA Foundation

NAMPA, Idaho, March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – The Idaho FFA Foundation recently received a $200,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support its Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grant Program for Idaho FFA members.

Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) give FFA students meaningful opportunities to apply classroom learning in real settings, including exploring agricultural careers, conducting research, managing projects, and building basic financial skills through budgeting and record keeping. SAEs are a central part of the FFA Three Circle Model, which combines classroom instruction, leadership development, and hands on experience to create a well-rounded approach to agricultural education.

This investment will provide hundreds of FFA members across Idaho with the opportunity to start or expand their SAE projects, allowing them to gain experience in areas such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and project management. Living to serve is a central FFA value, and many students naturally reflect that spirit in their work. Projects range from floral arrangements that bring comfort to families at memorial services to providing locally produced goods that contribute to local life, as well as service-based efforts that often grow into small businesses rooted in rural needs. Through these projects, students put their skills to work in meaningful ways, whether they are mowing lawns for local families, building websites for small farms or ag related entrepreneurs, repairing or fabricating equipment, or taking part in forestry or natural resource activities that strengthen the place they call home.

“The Idaho FFA Foundation is thrilled to receive this support from Wells Fargo. Their leadership in supporting rural schools and FFA programs is truly impactful. We’re grateful to offer expanded opportunities for Idaho FFA members through this program,” shared Carly Jordan, Executive Director of the Idaho FFA Foundation.

Grants will be administered by the Idaho FFA Foundation and are open to Idaho FFA members. Visit GrowIdahoFFA.org for more information.

About Idaho FFA Foundation

Established in 1980, the Idaho FFA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and gives companies, organizations and individuals the opportunity to provide financial resources and cooperation in support of Idaho FFA and agriculture education programs. The Idaho FFA Foundation provides financial support to Idaho FFA Association leadership and career development activities helping Idaho FFA members grow and succeed.

To learn more or donate, visit www.GrowIdahoFFA.org.

Media

Carly Jordan, Carly@GrowIdahoFFA.org

Source: Idaho FFA Foundation

March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – The Biomimicry Institute, a not-for-profit organization co-founded by Janine Benyus in 2005 with the mission to catalyze a nature positive, regenerative, and inclusive future, has opened applications for the 2026 Ray of Hope Accelerator. This global, founder-focused program supports early-stage startups that look to nature’s 3.8 billion years of evolution as a blueprint for solving today’s most urgent challenges. Ten selected companies will receive $15,000 in non-dilutive funding, along with an immersive nature retreat, and virtual programming including a weekly curriculum, expert mentorship, and access to a vibrant network of investors and industry leaders to help scale their impact. Applications are open through April 24, 2026.

Since its launch in 2020, the Ray of Hope Accelerator has supported nearly 60 early-stage startups ranging from pre-seed through Series A from 19 countries, 35% of which are women-led. Today over 90% of the portfolio companies remain in operation, and collectively they have raised more than $250 million in investment.

Building on this momentum, the Institute is seeking the world’s most promising and impactful nature-inspired startups for its 2026 cohort.

“Last year’s cohort was one of our strongest yet,” said Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute. “We witnessed founders not only refining breakthrough technologies inspired by nature, but also bringing to life solutions that address climate change and biodiversity loss. They reaffirmed that nature-inspired innovation is not a niche approach, it is a powerful pathway to regenerative systems change. We are excited to welcome the next ten visionary teams who are ready to learn from life itself how to address the challenges of our time.”

The Institute is focused on ventures that address the polycrisis of climate change and biodiversity loss, and eliminate the linear “take, make, waste” paradigm. In addition, solutions should be grounded in deep scientific research, informed by biological principles, processes or systems, or are enabling bio-inspired innovation.

The selected companies will participate in a six-month accelerator starting in August valued at more than $50,000 in in-kind services. The program includes industry mentorship, science-based storytelling expertise, and connections to corporate leaders and mission-aligned investors. Founders will also gather for a four-day immersive Nature Retreat, where they will deepen their leadership skills, build community, and cultivate a biomimicry-driven philosophy to guide their companies.

“As I see it, the biomimicry startup community has reached critical mass. As a category, it has more than enough companies that are successfully scaling to prove the merit of nature-inspired design” says John A. Lanier, Executive Director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and founding funder of the Accelerator, “we are heartened that more companies are starting with biomimicry as a central tenet, and that more investors are actively seeking them out as a result.”

To explore the full portfolio of Ray of Hope Accelerator alumni, Visit the Portfolio page on Biomimicry.org to explore the full list of Ray of Hope Accelerator alumni.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit biomimicry.org/innovation/accelerator/.

####

About the Biomimicry Institute

The Biomimicry Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by Janine Benyus in 2005, on a mission to create a nature positive, inclusive, and regenerative world inspired and guided by nature’s genius. The Biomimicry Institute is embarking towards a ten-year vision to dramatically scale the impact that biomimicry is having on some of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Since its founding 20 years ago, the Institute has worked to spread the practice of looking to the solutions developed by living organisms over billions of years to provide insight and inspiration for effective, efficient, and sustainable innovations and approaches to addressing our own challenges. As the Institute embarks on their third decade, they are fully committed to work across sectors and disciplines to spread the wisdom of nature-inspired, actionable solutions across our world. For more information, visit biomimicry.org.

Media Contact:

Anna Konstantinova
Biomimicry Institute, Director of Strategic Communications
anna.konstantinova@biomimicry.org