Introduction
Oliver Harrison is widely recognised as a forward-thinking health innovator whose work has influenced digital mental-health solutions, public-health systems, and AI-driven healthcare development. His career shows how medical training, strategic leadership, and digital transformation can come together to reshape global health access. While many professionals follow predictable paths, Oliver Harrison stands out because he turned his clinical challenges into a mission to build scalable mental-health solutions. His journey includes clinical practice, health-technology leadership, and entrepreneurship, proving that a single idea can evolve into a global movement.
Some people create change slowly, but Oliver Harrison represents the opposite—his efforts have accelerated global thinking about mental-health accessibility. At the same time, his work highlights the challenges of clinical shortages, rising demand, and the global need for technological solutions. This creates both positive and negative realities: progress is possible, but the world still struggles with access. His biography captures these contrasts through a life built on service, innovation, and human wellbeing.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Oliver Harrison |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Psychiatrist, Public-Health Leader, Digital-Health Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder & CEO of Koa Health; Public-Health Leadership; Digital Mental-Health Innovation |
| Education | Neuroscience (Cambridge), Medicine (UCL), Psychiatry (Imperial), Public Health (Johns Hopkins) |
| Companies | Koa Health |
| Expertise | Mental-Health Innovation, Public Health, Health Technology, AI-Health Integration |
Early Life and Education
Foundations of Academic Excellence
Oliver Harrison built a strong academic foundation that shaped his future role in global health innovation. He first studied Neuroscience at Jesus College, Cambridge, where he developed an understanding of the human brain, behaviour, and cognitive processes. This academic starting point helped him later bridge scientific knowledge with practical mental-health solutions. His passion for understanding the mind laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to improving mental-wellbeing outcomes.
Following his first degree, he trained as a medical doctor at University College London. This stage of his education strengthened his medical expertise and prepared him for the realities of clinical practice. Instead of limiting himself to clinical knowledge alone, he expanded his skill set further by pursuing postgraduate training in psychiatry at Imperial College London and public-health studies at Johns Hopkins University. This unique combination—medicine, psychiatry, and public health—became the foundation of his career.
Start of His Career
Psychiatry and Clinical Experience
Oliver Harrison began his professional life working as a psychiatrist within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. For six years, he treated patients directly, observing the increasing pressure on mental-health systems. While helping patients, he also saw the limitations of traditional care models. Mental-health cases were rising, clinicians were limited, and wait times were long. These experiences deeply shaped his desire to create more accessible, scalable solutions.
His clinical exposure gave him valuable insight into the emotional, psychological, and social challenges people face when seeking treatment. While his early work allowed him to help individuals, he soon realised that solving large-scale mental-health problems required systemic innovation. This realisation inspired him to pursue a broader career direction.
Transition to Public Health and Global Strategy
Expanding His Influence Beyond the Clinic
To broaden his impact, Oliver Harrison transitioned into public-health leadership and health-technology consulting. He joined McKinsey & Company, where he worked in the Health-Technology Practice. This role allowed him to use data, analytics, and technology to solve health problems in different regions of the world. His understanding of large-scale systems grew rapidly, and he saw how strategic thinking could transform healthcare delivery.
In 2006, he moved to Abu Dhabi to serve as Director of Public Health. Over seven years in this leadership role, he helped modernise public-health systems, design data-driven health strategies, and address challenges such as chronic diseases, preventive health, and population-wellbeing. His work contributed to shaping a stronger, more advanced public-health infrastructure in the region.
Entrepreneurship: Founder of Koa Health
Building Scalable Digital Mental-Health Solutions
Oliver Harrison founded Koa Health, a digital mental-health company focused on making mental-wellbeing support accessible to millions of people. As Founder and CEO, he combines clinical evidence, public-health expertise, and digital innovation to develop tools that help individuals build resilience, manage stress, and improve mental-wellbeing.
Under his leadership, Koa Health grew from an idea into a fully operational mental-health platform that serves organisations and individuals globally. The company integrates psychology, neuroscience, and AI to create personalised, scalable mental-health solutions. This entrepreneurial venture demonstrates his mission to close the gap between mental-health demand and available clinical support.
Career Overview
A Journey of Leadership and Innovation
Oliver Harrison’s career spans multiple sectors—clinical practice, public health, global consulting, and digital entrepreneurship. His ability to combine medical knowledge with strategic thinking makes him a unique leader in modern healthcare transformation. His advisory work with international health organisations reflects his influence on global mental-health and digital-health policy.
In addition to leading Koa Health, he has contributed to numerous research publications, supported global innovation programs, and collaborated with major institutions working on health strategy. His work showcases the balance between science, technology, and human wellbeing.
Latest News
Work in AI and Digital-Health Innovation
Oliver Harrison currently serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence within the Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford. In this role, he continues to explore ways to integrate artificial intelligence and digital tools into healthcare. His recent focus includes advancing digital mental-health solutions, strengthening AI-driven prevention, and collaborating with researchers and innovators who aim to reshape global health systems.
Legacy
A Leader Shaping the Future of Mental-Health Care
Oliver Harrison’s legacy is built on innovation, global impact, and a commitment to improving mental-health accessibility. His work has influenced public-health planning, digital-health strategy, and mental-wellbeing tools used around the world. While clinical care helps individuals, his technology-driven approach helps entire populations. His contribution shows how one professional can turn scientific knowledge into real societal change.
FAQ
Who is Oliver Harrison?
He is a British psychiatrist, public-health leader, and founder of the digital mental-health company Koa Health.
What is he known for?
He is known for combining medical training, public health, and digital innovation to expand access to mental-health support.
Which company did he found?
He is the founder and CEO of Koa Health.
What is his educational background?
His education includes Neuroscience (Cambridge), Medicine (UCL), Psychiatry training (Imperial), and Public Health (Johns Hopkins).
What is his current role?
He serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division while leading Koa Health.
