Oscar winner awarded Women in Innovation prize

An Oscar-winning entrepreneur behind a pioneering FemTech start-up connected to Bristol’s SETsquared programme has won a Women in Innovation award from Innovate UK.

Dr Chen Mao Davies founded LatchAid in 2018 after facing struggles with breastfeeding following the birth of her first child. The company supports breastfeeding mums and their families through interactive 3D technology, Artificial Intelligence, virtual peer support groups and live healthcare specialists.

SETSquared Bristol member Dr Davies was selected as one of ten winners of the Women in Innovation Awards, which were announced on International Women’s Day. Each entrepreneur is awarded a £50,000 grant, along with specialist mentoring and coaching.

“Given how vital LatchAid is for so many new mothers and their families, I am extremely honoured to receive this recognition of my work developing the app from Innovate UK,” said Dr Davies, an expert in computer graphics and animation who was part of the Oscar and BAFTA-winning Visual Effects team behind blockbuster films including Gravity and Blade Runner 2049. 

LatchAid, which has been developed with leading infant feeding, baby development and health experts, is in talks with three NHS trusts about an app partnership, according to its website.

“Around 90% of new mums stop breastfeeding before they want to because of pain or lack of support,” said Dr Davies. “Sadly, the UK has the worst breastfeeding rate in the world because of the inconsistency in professional help, which can tragically lead to both physical and emotional pain.

“Thanks to LatchAid, families experiencing these breastfeeding challenges can access help when they need it and advice when they want it. I hope the Innovate UK platform will raise our profile even further and help us connect to the millions of mums who are suffering in silence, giving them a community they can share their experiences with and expert advice they can trust.”