Loubna Bouarfa is a machine learning scientist turned entrepreneur.
In 2016, after several years in academia, Loubna founded her own artificial intelligence company: OKRA Technologies. OKRA is a data analysis platform, using deep machine learning algorithms to transform complex datasets into evidence-based predictions, in real time. It was designed to equip Healthcare and Life Sciences professionals with the foresight to improve patient outcomes.
Before OKRA, Loubna spent over 10 years validating and implementing machine learning (ML) solutions for real-world applications, such as an autonomous ML system that tracks surgeons’ operating movements and prevents error in real time.
Loubna has won several awards and was recognised as a leading innovator by the MIT Technology Review in 2017.
Beyond her business, Loubna has recently been appointed by the European Commission as a High-Level Expert on Artificial Intelligence. She will support the EU by developing recommendations on ethical, legal and societal issues related to AI, impacting the health, safety and freedom of the wider society.
On a personal level, Loubna is a strong advocate for diversity and challenging the status quo. Having lived in Morocco, moving to the Netherlands at the age of 17, and later to the UK with a young family, she realised the power of remaining outside her comfort zone.