By KAITLYN PETRY

Photography Amanda Freely

HAVE YOU EVER wondered — what can I do? The Igniters program by the University Hospital Foundation invites the next generation of philanthropists to step into a transformative role — where your voice, vision and vote directly influence the future of health.

What is the Igniters program?  

Each individual, couple, or corporate membership to the Igniters involves a commitment of $10,000 over two years ($5,000 per year). By pooling these contributions, members help create a powerful fund dedicated to advancing health-care innovation. As a member, you’ll be invited to four immersive experiences hosted by the Foundation and receive one vote in the Annual Voting Experience. There, you’ll hear directly from three project finalists and help decide how the Igniters’ collective funding will be allocated — giving you a meaningful role in shaping the future of care through projects that align with your values and have the potential for lasting impact.

2025 finalists projects: which would you choose? 

Each year, the Igniters program will centre around a theme addressing critical health-care needs. In 2025, the spotlight is on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability: The Future of Health. The finalists are:

• AI-Powered Colonoscopy for IBD Patients, Dr. Frank Hoentjen: Implementing an AI-driven system to detect precancerous polyps during colonoscopies, aiming to improve early diagnosis and patient care.
• AI-Based Stroke Detection Pilot Project, Dr. Brian Buck: Developing an AI-assisted diagnostic tool to identify stroke types before hospital arrival, facilitating quicker treatment and better outcomes for stroke patients.
• AI-Powered Early Warning System for Cardiac Arrest, Matthew Douma, CNS: Creating an AI system to monitor in-hospital patients for early signs of cardiac arrest, enabling timely interventions and enhancing survival rates.

The annual voting experience determines which of these projects receives Igniters’ funding for the year. Which would you choose?

See which project won the Igniters vote for 2025