Dr. Bouarfa’s journey began with a passion for engineering and a keen interest in its potential to improve human lives. This led her to pursue a PhD in Machine Learning applied to Healthcare, a path that would forever shape her career trajectory.

From Academia to Entrepreneur: Building OKRA.ai

While Dr. Bouarfa thrived in academic research, her vision extended beyond the confines of a lab. She recognized the immense potential of AI to accelerate drug discovery and development, a notoriously slow and expensive process. This realization sparked the creation of OKRA.ai in 2016.

OKRA stands for “Open Knowledge for better Results & Analytics,” a fitting name for a company dedicated to harnessing the power of AI to unlock hidden insights within vast troves of healthcare data. Dr. Bouarfa’s vision for OKRA is simple yet profound: to empower life science companies to develop targeted therapies that reach the right patients, faster.

The Power of AI in Drug Discovery

The traditional drug discovery process is fraught with challenges. Identifying promising candidates, conducting clinical trials, and navigating regulatory hurdles can take years, often at a cost of billions of dollars. Many promising drugs never make it to market, leaving patients waiting for potentially life-saving treatments.

This is where OKRA steps in. Dr. Bouarfa and her team have developed a powerful AI platform that analyzes vast datasets, including patient records, clinical trial data, and real-world evidence. By identifying patterns and correlations invisible to the human eye, OKRA’s AI helps pharmaceutical companies:

• Reduce development timelines: By predicting potential roadblocks and optimizing trial designs, OKRA helps companies get drugs to patients faster.
• Improve drug efficacy and safety: By identifying patient subgroups most likely to benefit from a therapy, OKRA reduces the risk of adverse side effects and improves treatment outcomes.

• Reduce development costs: By streamlining the drug discovery process, OKRA helps companies make the most of their resources.

Beyond Innovation: A Champion for Ethics and Inclusion

Dr. Bouarfa’s influence extends far beyond the walls of OKRA. She is a vocal advocate for responsible and ethical development of AI in healthcare. As a former member of the European Union’s High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence, she played a crucial role in shaping ethical guidelines for the future of AI in healthcare.

Furthermore, Dr. Bouarfa champions diversity and inclusion in the tech and science sectors. She actively mentors young women and girls, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her dedication to breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable future is truly commendable.

A Legacy of Innovation

Dr. Loubna Bouarfa’s remarkable journey is far from over. OKRA continues to push the boundaries of AI in healthcare, forging partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies around the globe. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, coupled with her passion for ethical development, positions her as a true leader in the fight for better healthcare for all.

Dr. Bouarfa’s Achievements and Recognition

Dr. Bouarfa’s groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. Here are some of her achievements and accolades:

• Named an MIT Technology Review Top Innovator Under 35
• Featured on Forbes’ 50 Top Women In Tech
• Awarded CEO of the Year 2019 at the Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards
• Won Best Female-Led Startup at the StartUp Europe Awards in 2019
• Selected as a European Young Leader (EYL40) for 2022