BMO invests $5 million in the future of surgical innovation and cancer care in Canada

Advances in technologies like AI and robotics are transforming treatment and surgical care, expanding access for patients – and supporting the growth of healthier, stronger communities across the country.  

That’s why BMO has announced a $5 million philanthropic gift to University Health Network (UHN), supporting the new Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital and the PMATCH program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. 

BMO’s gift will play a critical role in advancing cancer treatment at both Princess Margaret Hospital and UHN’s new Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to meet the growing and increasingly complex surgical needs of patients across Ontario and beyond.  

The Hugo surgical robot demonstration station was on display at our Future of Healthcare event. Part of BMO's $5M donation to University Health Network will support a new surgical tower at Toronto Western Hospital.

The donation will also support PMATCH, a world-first initiative that uses AI to better connect cancer patients with the most suitable clinical trials – first at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and later expanding to other participating Canadian hospitals. 

“This generous gift from BMO reflects the power of philanthropy to drive both innovation and collaboration across our healthcare system. Support for the new Surgical Tower will help UHN meet the growing demand for complex surgical care, while this shared investment alongside The Princess Margaret to advance PMATCH will improve how patients are connected to clinical trials and accelerating discovery for patients across Canada.”  

- Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO of University Health Network 

Technology and AI: What’s next in healthcare

To mark the announcement, BMO hosted a Future of Healthcare event at BMO Place in Toronto, bringing together BMO leaders, clients and healthcare partners to explore how technology is reshaping care. The event featured a hands-on healthcare showacase, a patient story and a panel discussion on how AI is improving surgery, accelerating research and helping cancer patients access more personalized treatments. 

A longtime investor in healthcare innovation 

This investment aligns with BMO’s philanthropic commitment to driving equity and improving outcomes for patients and caregivers by investing in technology and innovation for community partners, such as UHN.  

“We’re proud to support Toronto Western and Princess Margaret as they lead the way in transforming life-changing care for patients with cancer. This investment puts the patient first by fostering a culture of technology innovation, collaboration and empowerment, which are key contributors to the high-quality health care that strengthens our communities.” 

- Darryl White, CEO of BMO Financial Group and Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair of the UHN Surgical Tower Campaign 

Over the next 10 years, BMO has pledged more than $49 million to healthcare initiatives across Canada. BMO also supports the business of healthcare innovation as a lender – helping clients develop, modernize and scale the infrastructure, technology and services healthcare systems rely on.