In the ancient city of Babylon, almost 2500 years ago, citizens needing  medical advice often gathered in the town square to share thoughts on treatments for common illnesses. This is one of the earliest examples of democratising healthcare – and, as it was the Babylonians who enjoyed the longest life expectancy across the ancient world, it’s from our health-conscious ancestors that we take inspiration for our 21st century services.

Health innovator babylon believes it’s possible to put an accessible and affordable health service in the hands of every person on the planet. How? By combining the ever-growing computing power of machines with the best medical expertise of humans to create a comprehensive, immediate and personalised health service and making it universally available. The mission of babylon is to deliver unparalleled access to healthcare, including personalised health assessments, treatment advice, and face-to-face appointments with a doctor 24/7.

The company’s AI system has been created by experienced doctors and scientists using the latest advances in deep learning. Much more than a searchable database, it assesses known symptoms and risk factors to provide informed, up-to-date medical information.

With existing operations in the UK and Rwanda, plus plans in progress with major providers in China, the USA and the Middle East, babylon is home to the largest collection of scientists, clinicians, mathematicians and engineers, recruited from more than 60 different countries.

With a PhD in Engineering Physics, Dr Ali Parsa is a serial healthcare entrepreneur, as well as the founder and CEO of babylon. Prior to babylon, Ali founded Circle and built it within a few years to become Europe’s largest partnership of clinicians, with some £200m of revenue, some 3000 employees and a successful IPO.

Ali was recipient of the Royal Award for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year for founding his first business, V&G, and the Healthcare Entrepreneurial Achievement Award for establishing Circle. He was named by The Times among 100 global people to watch, and is the UK Cabinet Office Ambassador for Mutuals.