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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Supported by government-backed Family Hubs and Start for Life funding, this initiative aims to support parents during crucial early stages. Commencing this February, Anya will be readily available to all parents, their wider family seeking continuous support.

Anya’s 24/7 services support breastfeeding, infant feeding, and parenting, offering evidence-based information and personalised guidance. In other words, parents can now easily navigate challenges, receiving instant support and valuable tips, promoting a positive parenting experience.

Collaborating with the Family Hubs programme in Stoke-On-Trent, Anya will serve as convenient, 24/7 accessible support service for all families and healthcare professionals.

In fact, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating a supportive community, leveraging government-led initiatives and innovative healthcare solutions. The partnership strives to positively impact lives, making accessible resources a reality for families in Stoke-On-Trent.

As Anya partners with Stoke-On-Trent City Council in February, local parents can anticipate enhanced, accessible support for a healthier and happier parenting journey.

More about Anya:

Anya’s Dynamic Support Model:

Anya Health spearheads an innovative approach by seamlessly merging cutting-edge AI technology with genuine healthcare specialists. This model guarantees that parents in Stoke-On-Trent receive 24/7 evidence-based expertise. Acting as a responsive guide, Anya’s AI provides instant information and personalised recommendations. Concurrently, the platform integrates the human touch, enabling users to connect with specialists for a more empathetic understanding. This fusion vividly illustrates Anya’s unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive and accessible support.

24/7 Accessible Expertise for All:

Built on 24/7 accessibility, Anya’s hybrid model merges innovative technology and expert specialist knowledge, ensuring evidence-based expertise for every parent. Whether navigating breastfeeding, seeking infant feeding guidance, or parenting advice, Anya’s services cover diverse needs. The 24/7 availability acknowledges parenting’s unpredictability, offering a reliable lifeline. This innovative blend redefines parenting support, making expertise a constant companion for Stoke-On-Trent families and beyond.

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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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Anya has been chosen by Google for Startups to join their prestigious AI for Health program,. has chosen Anya. The program aims to offer parenting and breastfeeding support to women worldwide through its designed app.

A Gloucestershire-based tech company, founded by an Oscar and Bafta-winning entrepreneur, secures a spot in Google’s startup support program.

Anya, initially named LatchAid, utilises interactive 3D technology to provide parenting and breastfeeding support. Dr. Chen Mao Davies, a member of the visual effects team for films like Gravity and Blade Runner 2049, founded the company in 2015.

Google for Startups selected the Anya for its AI for Health growth academy. The three-month program provides skills, strategies, and access to advanced tools.

Dr. Davies, Anya’s CEO, states: “This Google opportunity will help us reach more parents globally, ensuring access to essential support.”

Yuval Passov, who organises Google’s Growth Academy for Start-ups, stated, “We’re excited to work with Anya, offering them the best of Google’s people, products, and processes. This partnership will equip them with the tools needed to scale this innovative app.”

“AI is transformative technology. It’s incredible to support a startup using it to positively impact the lives of new parents.”

Dr Davies said the company raised more than £1m in investment last year for its platform. Across over 100 countries, parents have utilised Anya, widely adopted in health systems and accessible to 4.5 million people in the UK.

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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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Written by Hannah Cresswell, AI Specialist.

As the nights grow longer and the echoes of summer break fade away, our dedicated AI Specialist team at Anya has been hard at work analysing AI data. We’ve delved into the most popular and engaging conversations with #AskAnya, our AI virtual companion, during those cherished moments when the kids had the schoolbooks set aside. 

Antenatal: Surging Engagement During the Summer Holidays 

In today’s digital age, it’s no surprise that expectant parents are seeking essential guidance on antenatal care: preparing for what’s to come next! We’ve identified a surge in engagement with our AI-powered companion #AskAnya, during the six-week holiday period, specifically in relation to these four antenatal topics. 

1. Breastfeeding tips 

2. Hospital bag essentials 

3. Recognising labour signs 

4. Postpartum recovery 

Our new personalised content menus mean that users are accessing information relevant to their stage of pregnancy much faster and more easily providing the reassurance needed to feel confident when their baby arrives. It can be challenging to talk about some of the more personal, sometimes intimate changes to our bodies during pregnancy and postpartum and we’re seeing more users asking about the return of menstruation, sexual intimacy and contraception as well as recovering from birth and returning to exercise.  

Summer’s Most-Requested Conversation AI Insights 

The summer holidays might be over, but the curiosity never takes a break! The data is in, and we’ve uncovered what kept most of our parents busy during those six weeks. From the delicate art of mastering the breastfeeding latch to the soothing of an unsettled baby and even the quest for achieving better sleep – these were the most popular topics that parents needed the support with: 

1. Mastering the Breastfeeding Latch 

2. Soothing an Unsettled Baby 

3. Achieving Better Sleep 

These topics are never far from the mind of new families and often, other support dies down over the summer as it relies on volunteers who have their own children and holiday plans. Our AI system answered questions surrounding crying and reflux often alongside queries about painful latches which allowed specialists to respond in detail when called upon having already been provided with an in-depth insight to individual families’ circumstances. When it comes to sleep it can be challenging to know what’s normal and so it’s no surprise that our AI answered questions about sleep, particularly by users with babies under 6 months of age.  

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Introduction:
As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, LatchAid, the revolutionary breastfeeding and early parenthood support app, shares uplifting news about its impact since launching in July 2021. With over 7,000 users across 94 countries, the app has not only garnered widespread global adoption but has also significantly contributed to increasing breastfeeding duration among mothers.

Extended Breastfeeding Success:
For instance, early results indicate that mothers utilising LatchAid are more likely to continue breastfeeding for an extended period. A six-month NHS trial revealed that, among the 271 UK-based survey respondents using the app, an impressive 49% were exclusively breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks, surpassing the national average of 24%.

Addressing Breastfeeding Challenges:
Dr. Chen Mao Davies, the Founder of LatchAid, emphasises the transformative impact of the app. She notes, “Traditionally, the UK has struggled with low breastfeeding rates. LatchAid addresses the challenges mothers face by providing essential support during this crucial time.”

Innovative Technology for Breastfeeding Support:
LatchAid’s groundbreaking app utilises cutting-edge 3D interactive technology and 3D avatars to help mothers intuitively learn breastfeeding skills. The app fosters virtual networks that connect breastfeeding mothers, facilitating close-knit peer-to-peer support groups. Additionally, the inclusion of an empathetic AI-powered virtual chatbot and live 1-2-1 support from human experts ensures personalized expertise and companionship 24/7.

Navigating Parenthood Challenges:
In light of the ongoing access challenges to healthcare professionals and breastfeeding rates, Dr. Chen Mao Davies emphasises the urgency of 24/7 support for parents. LatchAid continues to provide evidence-based parenting support and advice. In alignment with this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme ‘step up and support’.

Investment and Growth:
LatchAid’s growth in the past year has been bolstered by support from Innovate UK EDGE Finance Specialist, Ed Tellwright. Meanwhile, Ed played a pivotal role in preparing LatchAid to raise £1m in Funding and Finance. The company’s journey has culminated in a successful investment round. From receiving the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award in 2020 to participating in Pitchfest.

Future Endeavors:
To clarify, funds from the latest investment round are dedicated to enhancing LatchAid’s technical and commercial teams. This will expand its B2B offerings to healthcare organisations as a licensed prescription app. LatchAid’s future plans include extending its scope to the first 1,000 days of parenthood, addressing a broader range of challenges. As a result, a rebranding initiative later this year will support this expanded vision.

Conclusion:
Finally, LatchAid’s positive impact on breastfeeding mothers globally is a testament to its innovative approach. In addition to it’s commitment to supporting families through the challenges of early parenthood. Certainly, the company continues to redefine the relationship between mothers and breastfeeding. Innovate UK EDGE remains a steadfast supporter of this pioneering Femtech innovator.

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