This recognition highlights the impact of Anya’s AI-powered app in improving healthcare, particularly in tackling disparities in maternity care. The National AI Awards for Healthcare award validates the innovation and collaboration that has driven Anya forward.

In this post, we’ll dive into how Anya won this award, including the case study we submitted that showcases how we’re improving breastfeeding outcomes in Lancashire.

The National AI Awards for Healthcare: A Celebration of Innovation

The National AI Awards for Healthcare recognises AI projects that are making a significant impact on healthcare. This year, Anya stood out for its innovative use of AI to address critical challenges in maternity care. Our case study, titled “Improving Breastfeeding Outcomes in Lancashire,” was at the heart of our nomination and played a key role in securing the award.

“Winning the National AI Award for Healthcare is a tremendous recognition of Anya’s mission to revolutionise healthcare through AI. This achievement underscores the impact of personalised, 24/7 accessible care, and inspires us to continue advancing solutions that empower women and families. We’re excited to build on this momentum and make healthcare smarter, more inclusive, and available to all.

– Dr. Chen Mao Davies

Anya’s Winning Solution: Improving Maternity Care with AI

At Anya, we’re dedicated to making healthcare more accessible, personalised, and efficient. Our focus is on using AI to address the gaps in maternity care, particularly for minority communities who often face greater challenges in accessing quality support. You can read about breastfeeding challenges in the UK here.

One of the key highlights of our case study is how Anya’s app is driving significant improvements in breastfeeding outcomes. For example, in Lancashire, where we’ve implemented Anya’s support, we’ve seen remarkable results. Specifically, independent analysis of user survey data shows that 58% of Anya users are exclusively breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks, compared to the national average of just 24%. This represents a 25% increase in babies exclusively receiving breast milk among Anya’s case study cohort throughout the pilot.

Clearly, these numbers highlight the tangible impact of Anya’s AI-driven approach to maternal health. By providing tailored support and real-time information, we help new mothers overcome breastfeeding challenges and achieve better outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

If you’re curious about how Anya is transforming maternity care, download the full case study here. You’ll discover how AI is making a real difference in breastfeeding success rates across the country.

Here’s how Anya is making a difference:

• Personalised AI-powered content: We deliver tailored health information to parents, guiding them through their unique journey.
• Specialist support: Our AI feature offers asynchronous messaging with healthcare professionals, ensuring women can access expert advice and support 24/7.
• Increased accessibility: By making high-quality healthcare available to everyone, regardless of location, Anya is reshaping the accessibility of maternal healthcare.

As our case study in Lancashire demonstrates, these benefits are helping parents overcome challenges and improve breastfeeding success rates.

To dive deeper, you can read the full case study we submitted for the award.

Why This Win Matters for Anya

Winning the National AI Award for Healthcare is a huge achievement for Anya. It reinforces our mission to empower women’s health through AI and reduce inequalities in care. Furthermore, this award reflects the dedication of our team, the support of our partners, and the positive changes we’re driving in the healthcare sector. However, this is just the beginning. We’re eager to continue scaling our platform and making a tangible impact on healthcare, particularly for women and families who need it most.

Looking to the Future: The Role of AI in Healthcare

AI is transforming healthcare, and Anya is proud to be leading this change. Our win at the National AI Awards marks an important step forward, but it’s only the beginning. We’re focused on enhancing our platform’s capabilities, expanding our reach into women’s health and discovering new ways to improve health outcomes. With AI, the future of healthcare will be personalised, efficient, and accessible to all.

Download The Case Study

We’re excited to share the case study we submitted to win the National AI Award for Healthcare 2024. It shows how Anya is improving breastfeeding outcomes in Lancashire and using AI to support new mothers. To read more about how we did it, download the case study here.

Anya’s win at the National AI Awards is a key milestone in our journey. It demonstrates the power of AI to transform healthcare. We’re grateful for the support of our team, partners, and everyone who believes in our mission. This win drives us to continue innovating and working toward a future where healthcare is smarter, more inclusive, and accessible to all.

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Anya Successfully Graduates from Google for Startups: AI for Health Program

We are thrilled to announce that Anya has successfully graduated from the prestigious Google for Startups: AI for Health program. Generally, the program actively supports innovative companies across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Hence, it focuses on harnessing AI to revolutionise healthcare.

During the three-month program, Anya actively participated in virtual workshops. Subsequently covering AI best practices, leadership development, responsible innovation, product design, and customer acquisition. The company benefited from invaluable one-on-one mentorship sessions and technical project support from experts. These experts were from Google Research, Google Health, Verily, Fitbit, Google DeepMind, and more.

Anya, among the 30 startups selected from 15 countries, stood out for its dedication to assisting parents throughout their first 1,001 days of the parental journey — from conception to toddlerhood. The program also included two in-person summits. The events actively connect founders with venture capitalists, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs in healthcare.

Finally, Anya successfully graduates from Google for Startups, and we are excited to share the photos of its graduation. Showcasing the milestones achieved and success attained along this transformative journey. Of course, we invite you to view the highlights of Anya’s participation. You can read about Anya’s journey in the Google for Startups: AI for Health program by visiting our blog here.

Stay tuned for more updates on Anya’s commitment to making an impact on the healthcare landscape through innovative AI solutions.

Find the Google for Startups Press Release here.

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As the clock ticked away, Andy delved into the day’s agenda, absorbing every detail and opportunity that Google had laid out for Anya. The first item on the list was a programme introduction and overview hosted by the Google for Startups Team, led by the dynamic duo of Magdalena Przelaskowska and Noam Feinstein. Andy found himself in a room filled with fellow innovators and entrepreneurs, all with aspirations as high as the Shard. 

The session was an immersive experience, exploring Google’s commitment to supporting startups in their journey towards excellence. As Andy listened attentively, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the moment – the doors to a world of possibilities were swinging open, and Anya was about to take its next big leap! 

A Journey Through Knowledge: Insights from Google Experts 

The next sessions promised to be nothing short of enlightening as Susan Thomas, the Director of Google Health UK, took the stage to reveal the story of “Google in health: the story so far.” Her insights into the intersection of technology and healthcare left Andy and Dr. Chen Mao Davies with a sense of awe. 

Next up was James Matthews, Head of Revenue Strategy for Google Cloud EMEA, shedding light on “Growth in the AI Age.” His presentation was like a roadmap for Anya’s future, navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence and cloud technology with finesse. As the session concluded, we couldn’t help but feel invigorated by the immense possibilities that lay ahead. 

Nourishing Connections: Lunch and Networking 

 
With brains buzzing from the morning’s insights, Andy joined his fellow startups for a delightful lunch and networking session. It was here that Andy had the chance to connect with like-minded innovators, share ideas, and forge valuable partnerships. The synergy in the room was palpable, and Anya was finding its place in a community of trailblazers. 

Unlocking Potential: Afternoon Workshops 

With Dr. Chen Mao Davies now back from her compelling presentation, she joined Developer Andy to soak in the wealth of knowledge Google had to offer. 

The day continued with a series of workshops designed to hone the skills of future leaders. First up was a Leadership Workshop led by Greg Albrecht, an Executive Coach. His wisdom and guidance were invaluable, helping the group to sharpen their leadership skills, setting the stage for Anya’s growth. 

A Grand Welcome: Evening Reception 

Following on from the Leadership workshop, as the sun dipped below the London skyline, the formal welcome reception commenced, and Chen and Andy were joined by Anya’s wonderfully supportive Chairman, Dan Cobley. A true highlight of the day as everyone seemed to know Dan! 

Prof. Yossi Matias, VP Health AI Global Lead at Google, and Sofia Benjumea, Head of Google For Startups EMEA, warmly welcomed Andy, Dan, Chen, and the other 29 chosen organisations into the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health. 

The reception was graced by the presence of the UK Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, Mr. Viscount Camrose, who extended his support for Anya’s mission to transform healthcare.

A Q&A session with Colin Murdoch, Chief Business Officer of Google DeepMind, offered unique insights into the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. 

The Unexpected Turn: A Surprise Awaits 

As the day ended, the team received a gentle reminder not to be late for the bus…  

It had been an extraordinary day filled with learning, inspiration, and connections that would undoubtedly shape the future of Anya. As the sun dipped below London’s iconic skyline, the team’s anticipation was met with a delightful twist.  

Instead of heading back to the hotel, Andy bid farewell, and Laura Bravo Priegue, Anya’s talented AI Developer, joined Dr. Chen Mao Davies for an unforgettable evening masterminded by the Google For Startups team. 

A big red London Tour bus awaited them, ready to whisk them away on an enchanting tour of London’s landmarks from Big Ben to Trafalgar Square and China Town. The journey took an unexpected turn onto the bustling streets of Tottenham Court Road, where they arrived at Tutan, an ultra-posh Chinese fusion restaurant renowned for its inventive cocktails. 

Stay tuned for our next Google For Start Ups, Growth Academy: AI for Health venture – coming soon!

In the meantime, check out our recent article on Anya’s collaborative Human and AI approach.

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Read the full article below.

The Healthcare Excellence Through Technology (HETT) Show, held at ExCel London on 26-27^th September 2023, proved to be an exceptional platform for healthcare innovators, including Anya. Although we didn’t have a dedicated stand at the event, our presence was profoundly felt, thanks to our CEO and Founder, Dr. Chen Mao Davies, who delivered an enlightening talk on “The role of humans in Anya’s AI experience.” This presentation was part of a broader discussion titled “How AI Augmented Technology Transforms Healthcare Access,” alongside esteemed organisations Feebris and Limbic. 

The HETT Show 2023 brought together leaders and visionaries from the healthcare and technology sectors, providing a stage to showcase groundbreaking solutions that have the potential to revolutionise patient care. Anya was honoured to contribute to this transformative dialogue. 

Dr. Chen Mao Davies on the Human Element in AI 

Dr. Chen Mao Davies’s presentation delved into the intricate interplay between human involvement and artificial intelligence within the context of Anya’s innovative healthcare solutions. She explored the pivotal role of human input in training and fine-tuning AI algorithms to ensure they align with patient needs, clinical expertise, and ethical standards. Her insightful talk underscored the significance of maintaining a human touch while harnessing the power of AI in healthcare, resonating with healthcare professionals and technology enthusiasts in the audience. 

Didn’t make it to Dr Chen Mao Davies’ talk?

Not to worry, you can read about our human specialists involvement with AI here.

Collaboration with NHS Innovation Accelerator 

Dr Chen Mao Davies and the team at Anya are immensely grateful for the opportunity sponsored by the NHS Innovation Accelerator, which enabled Dr. Chen Mao Davies to participate in the event. The NHS Innovation Accelerator stand served as a vital platform for our organisation to engage with healthcare experts, share our vision, and highlight the potential of our empathetic AI technology in improving patient care through technology and innovation!

Konrad Dobschuetz, National Director of the NHS Innovation Accelerator expressed his gratitude:

“Thank you, Dr. Chen Mao Davies, for joining us at the HETT Show 2023. Your insights on ‘The Role Of Humans in Anya’s AI Experience’ with an audience of 200 was phenomenal. Together with Limbic and Feebris, your presentation on ‘How AI Augmented Technology Transforms Healthcare Access’ will shape the future vision of AI in healthcare. Your presence not only enriches HETT but also sets an inspiring example for our new cohort of the fellowship as we welcome innovative organisations to the NHS Innovation Accelerator. You’re a valuable role model for those embarking on this journey of healthcare innovation.”

Anna King’s Recognition of Anya’s Contribution 

Another moment of pride for Anya at the HETT Show 2023 was when Anna King, Commercial Director at Health Innovation Network, delivered her talk on “FemTech and Women’s Health – Pioneering Digital Support in the NHS”. During her presentation, Anna King was asked to provide examples of exemplary organisations driving FemTech innovation, and Anya emerged as her shining example. The recognition was a testament to our outstanding contributions to breastfeeding support, maternity care through empathetic AI technology. 

Anya’s Commitment to Transforming Healthcare 

At Anya, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of healthcare technology. Our presence at the HETT Show 2023 reaffirmed our commitment to bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI solutions and compassionate patient care. We are immensely grateful for the opportunities to collaborate, learn, and share our vision with the healthcare community. Also to see lovely faces that we haven’t seen for a while!

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Anya stands at the forefront of innovation, leveraging the power of AI to enhance the patient experience, improve clinical outcomes, and drive positive change in patient care. Our participation in the HETT Show 2023 was a resounding success, and we look forward to continuing our journey toward a future where healthcare excellence is truly driven through technology and empathy.

Next, we’re off to Google for Startup’s Growth Academy: AI for Health, to accelerate our growth! You can read about our next venture here.  

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The Anya app is an innovative solution that uses 3D interactive technology and Artificial Intelligence to support parents throughout the journey to parenthood, across 1001 days from conception through to toddlerhood. The Anya AI chatbot leverages cutting-edge AI technology and asynchronous 1-2-1 human expert support to provide personalised expertise and companionship 24/7. 

Anya was founded by Dr Chen Mao Davies after she experienced significant physical and emotional health challenges with her firstborn. Chen developed Anya alongside world-class healthcare specialists, AI experts and visual effects creators, and subsequently left her Oscar and BAFTA award-winning Visual Effects R&D career to focus on healthcare technology and innovation. 

Anya has supported parents in 100+ countries. It has been widely adopted in health systems; available to 4.5 million within the UK population, as a testament of its scalability and clinical excellence. 62% of user requests were seen out-of-office hours; providing vital and complimentary support through collaboration, with established NHS and public health services. Anya is also partnered with employers and is working with insurers and benefit companies as an employee benefit.  

Google’s Growth Academy: AI for Health, part of the startup.google.com ecosystem, is a prestigious programme designed to empower healthcare and well-being startups with crucial growth skills, internationalisation strategies, and access to cutting-edge Google tools and products.  

Anya’s participation in this initiative will turbocharge the company with critical resources, knowledge, and network necessary to apply its mission and innovation into new healthcare areas including women’s and men’s health. To support people through physical and emotional challenges of difficult life transitions such as conception, parenting, and menopause, both 24/7 healthcare expertise and empathetic companionship are needed. Anya is passionate in harnessing the power of AI and making it more available to support everyone; by translating the excellence of Anya’s AI-powered 24/7 parenting support model and turning it into support for those going through other crucial life stages. 

Dr. Chen Mao Davies, Founder and CEO of Anya, expressed her excitement about this opportunity, stating:

“We are utterly delighted to have been chosen for Google’s Growth Academy: AI for Health programme. Our unwavering mission has always been to provide users with empathetic and innovative 24/7 support. This incredible opportunity with Google will undoubtedly enable us to reach more parents worldwide, ensuring that they have access to the necessary support and resources during their transformative journey to parenthood. Moreover, as we prepare for our expansion into broader healthcare areas starting with women’s health, we look forward to extending our 24/7 expert support and empathetic companionship to an even broader audience of individuals seeking guidance and reassurance.” 

Yuval Passov, Head of Google for Start-ups Israel and organiser of Google’s Growth Academy for Start Ups expressed his insights on the selection of Anya for the Google AI for Health programme. He stated:

“We’re excited to work with Anya, offering them the best of Google’s people, products and processes and equipping them with the tools needed to scale this innovative app. AI is the most profound technology that we’re working on today, and it’s incredible to help drive the growth of a new startup that is using this powerful technology to make a positive impact on the lives of new parents.” 

As Anya embarks on this exciting journey in partnership with Google, the future of its 24/7 digital health support is poised to become even more innovative, empathetic, and transformative. Anya invites you to explore its pioneering work and mission.

About Anya 

Anya is an innovative AI tech startup founded by CEO Dr. Chen Mao Davies, a visionary in the field of technology and empathy. Utilising cutting-edge 3D technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Anya offers 24/7 evidence-based, empathetic support throughout the crucial first 1,001 days of the parenting journey. Anya is committed to empowering parents by providing them with valuable education, support, and communities to navigate the challenges of early parenthood and is now expanding its horizons to address broader under-served health journeys. 

About Google for Start-up 

Google for Startups is an initiative by Google that offers a range of resources and support to early-stage tech startups. It provides access to mentorship, co-working spaces, funding opportunities, and a global network of like-minded entrepreneurs and experts. Google for Startups aims to empower and accelerate the growth of startups by providing them with the tools and connections they need to succeed in the competitive tech industry. 

18^th September 2023 | Press Release written by Harriet Shuttleworth

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Written by Harriet Shuttleworth.

We are excited to share that Shel Banks, Anya’s Clinical Director, IBCLC Infant Feeding Specialist, and NHS Infant Feeding Lead, has been featured in the The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers’ summer edition magazine!

Our team, Shel Banks and Hannah Cresswell, two valued clinical members of our team at Anya, presented an insightful talk to the audience at The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Conference in June 2023. The topic was ‘Shifting Perspectives and Navigating the Future of Breastfeeding’. Following which Shel was interviewed for the magazine. Shel’s article discussing the power of 24/7 online support is now published, and available for you to read below.

We are truly privileged to collaborate with Shel Banks, who brings with her an exceptional level of expertise and a renowned reputation in the industry.

Read the article below:

If you’d like to know more about Anya, feel free to get in touch via our contact page.

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The UK has among the worst breastfeeding rates in the world. Formula milk usage is higher in the UK than any other country. Nine in ten (90%) of mothers are reported to have given up breastfeeding before they wanted citing pain and a lack of support as the primary reasons. 

The Anya app is an innovative solution that uses interactive 3D technology and AI to deliver parenting and breastfeeding support 24/7. Anya delivers evidence-based, expert- backed support and peer communities, helping parents throughout their journey to parenthood, across 1001 days from conception through to toddlerhood.

Dr Davies developed the app after experiencing her own significant physical and mental health challenges with her firstborn. She developed Anya alongside world-class healthcare specialists, AI experts and visual effects creators, and subsequently left her BAFTA and Oscar-winning Hollywood Visual Effects R&D career to focus on developing this technology to support parents with innovation and empathy. 

Dr Davies said, “After I became a mother, I discovered that innovation is needed in public health. It was always my dream to be part of Hollywood, but I found I could do something more; I could change people’s lives. The more I spoke to mothers about it, the more it made me feel that this was to become my mission. If I don’t do it, who else will?”. 

Anya has supported parents in over 100 countries and is the top-rated breastfeeding app in the ORCHA digital library. Independent analysis of NHS pilot data has shown Anya has seen its users breastfeeding at double the national average. Anya offers support to families when and where it is needed, 24/7. During this pilot, over 60% of user demand was seen out of hours proving the vital, complimentary support Anya provides through collaboration with established NHS health services. 

Following a successful pilot, Anya has secured partnerships with NHS providers and health systems across the UK and is now available to a population of over 4.3m.  Anya is also partnered with employers, and is working with insurers and benefits companies, to provide its innovative support to parents through their employer. 

This Fellowship marks the sixth prestigious achievement awarded to Anya, winning 4 Innovate UK funding competitions including the prestigious Women in Innovation Award and the SBRI Healthcare and NHS England Phase 1 funding to tackle health inequalities in maternity care.  

This SBRI feasibility project focusses on key demographics including Black mums, young parents under 25 and low-income families in IMD deciles 1 and 2, matching the CORE20+5 national healthcare targets. It explores how the Anya app could provide a mechanism to drive down health inequalities by providing continuity of care and credible, evidence-based 24/7 solutions and signposts. 

The NIA programme will support further Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) and product R&D work, enabling the development of increased AI-powered personalised support, app features that improve continuity of care, and joined-up antenatal and postnatal support. The overall aim is to increase capacity for overstretched antenatal and postnatal teams, and to improve outcomes for families in a way that is low-cost, scalable, and robust.

Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England said: “We need innovation now more than ever before. If we think about the increasing level of demand on the NHS, innovation is not just a nice to have, it’s an essential if we are going to do what we need to for today’s patients but put ourselves in the best possible position to care for tomorrow’s patients as well”. 

Being part of the NIA programme will enhance credibility and help Anya achieve wide scale deployment within the NHS. Anya continues to seek partnership with Integrated Care Systems (ICS), healthcare providers and commissioners as it pursues its goal of providing all parents with vital support on the overwhelming journey to parenthood. 

Notes for editors 

For more information about the NIA, visit www.nhsaccelerator.com or email nia@uclpartners.com 

For more information about Anya, explore the Anya app on your portable device or email hello@latchaid.com  

ABOUT THE NHS INNOVATION ACCELERATOR 

The NIA is an award-winning NHS England initiative, working to support NHS Long Term Plan priorities by accelerating uptake of promising innovations for patient, population and NHS staff benefit. It is commissioned by the NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative, hosted by UCLPartners and delivered in partnership with the 15 Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs). 

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Covid-19 Fast Response Award

Sustainable Innovation Award

Women in Innovation Award

Innovation Loan Award

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SBRI Healthcare is an Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) initiative – a partnership between patient groups, government bodies, industry and the NHS hosted by NHS England – and is delivered in partnership with the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs).   

Our project aims to accelerate our app innovation to help narrow inequality in maternity care.

‘Competition 20 – Health Inequalities in Maternity Care’ was launched in May 2022 as a Phase 1 development funding competition to demonstrate feasibility. In consultation with clinicians, nurses, midwives, and other stakeholders working in the provision of care across the maternity care spectrum, innovations were sought specifically for perinatal mental health, risk identification, stratification, and intervention, and support for women post-discharge.

While the UK is among one of the safest places to give birth, maternity care is impacted by health inequalities.

Black and Asian women are more likely to die during pregnancy, and childbirth and poor pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, foetal growth restriction, and stillbirth, disproportionately affect Black and Asian women from the most socio-economically deprived backgrounds.

1 in 4 women experience mental health difficulties during, or in the 24 months following pregnancy, and maternal mental health challenges are associated with both large and lasting personal and societal costs.

Tragically, maternal suicide is the leading cause of direct deaths within one year after the end of pregnancy.

SBRI Healthcare provides funding to innovators to develop solutions to unmet needs faced by the NHS. The programme aims to improve patient care, increase efficiency in the NHS, and support key NHS priorities such as reducing health inequalities and reaching Net Zero targets, and to support the UK economy. 

Dr. Chen Mao Davies, CEO and founder of LatchAid, said:

“We’re delighted to receive this funding from SBRI Healthcare which will help us develop at a key point in our journey. We’re looking forward to working with SBRI Healthcare and the AHSNs to build and test our offering over the next six months with the ultimate aim to benefit as many patients as possible.”

Matt Whitty, Director of Innovation, Research and Life Sciences at NHS England and CEO of the Accelerated Access Collaborative, said:

“The SBRI Healthcare awards help the NHS to develop new technologies and solutions to address some of the biggest healthcare challenges facing society.

“We have selected these innovations because they have the potential to make a big difference in tackling health inequalities in maternal health.

“By supporting the most promising innovations the NHS will continue to evolve, helping meet more patients needs and encouraging more innovators to come forward with ideas that make a difference.”

Dr Matthew Jolly, National Clinical Director for Maternity and Women’s Health, NHS England, said:

“The SBRI Healthcare awards are another step forward in delivering the NHS Long Term Plan commitments for maternity care, including postnatal care for women and their families.

“It’s fantastic to see so many projects promoting innovation and learning to support the NHS to achieve the very best, evidence-based maternity services – they will help to accelerate the NHS’ action to deliver the latest medical innovations to patients – improving access to support and reducing health inequalities in maternity care.”

LatchAid Ltd  – awarded £100,000 – LatchAid: A smart, scalable, and accessible solution for breastfeeding and early parenthood support to address health inequality in maternity care

LatchAid is an award-winning app utilising cutting-edge 3D interactive technology, an AI-powered virtual companion leveraging 1-to-1 specialist support, and virtual support communities, to provide families with scalable breastfeeding and early parenthood support 24/7 and address health inequalities in maternity care. LatchAid’s NHS pilot in four ICS’ demonstrated a x2 increase of exclusive breastfeeding rates at six weeks postnatally compared with the national average.

Find out more about the whole project here.

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Since arriving in the UK from China 18 years ago, Dr. Chen Mao Davies has learned to speak fluent English, created new CGI technologies for Oscar and BAFTA winning films, become a mother, and now launched her own business.

On International Women’s Day 2021, she was awarded an Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award, one of only 10 nationwide awards out of 750+ applicants.
Chen’s business, LatchAid Ltd. and the Anya app, were born out of her own struggles as a new mum.

“I was determined to breastfeed my child,” says Chen, “it’s natural, it’s bonding, it gives the baby antibodies, but nobody told me how difficult and painful it could be.

“Midwives are under huge pressure and sadly, don’t always have the resources to provide one-to-one breastfeeding guidance throughout a mother’s stay in hospital. By the time I left hospital, I was already damaged and in pain.”

“It went on for days with mastitis and thrush; mum and baby crying during feeding time and I just felt such a failure – I couldn’t feed my own baby. The baby’s weight dropped, and I developed postnatal depression.”

Chen pulled through with the help of an understanding health visitor and other mums who had suffered similar experiences – some of whom still carry regrets years later.

“As a technologist, I was frankly shocked by the lack of innovation in this space. We had once a week peer support groups, which were useful – but what about 2am when you’re lonely, in pain and at your lowest point?”

Innovate UK EDGE Innovation and Growth Specialist, Kathryn Green, persuaded her to take up the opportunity and together with grant funding expert Kim Howat, provided critical appraisal of her application.

“I knew the pass rate would be even lower than normal Innovate UK competitions, so Kathryn and Kim’s support was really important. They helped me make my application as simple, persuasive, compliant and powerful as possible – their advice really helped refresh my knowledge of how to write a grant application.”

Having won the award, Chen received a £50,000 grant and a bespoke package of mentoring, coaching and innovation and growth support.

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