Project description
AI-powered sperm selection for assisted reproduction
Male infertility contributes to about 40 % of fertility challenges faced by couples globally. Assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) depend on selecting high-quality sperm, but current methods are outdated, inefficient and prone to human error. The EIC-funded Spermotile project is developing an AI-automated platform to transform sperm selection in ART. The proposed solution will identify and select optimal sperm in an efficient and non-invasive manner. The platform will integrate seamlessly into clinical workflows and is expected to enhance ART success rates by up to 12 %, while cutting costs. Spermotile aims to revolutionise male infertility treatment and cultivate hope for families one star sperm at a time.
Objective
"The Spermotile project addresses the growing issue of male infertility, which affects approximately 1 in 6 couples globally. Male infertility is responsible for 40% of fertility challenges and has been increasingly prevalent due to various environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ARTs) such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) rely on high-quality sperm selection to maximize fertility success. However, current sperm selection techniques are manual, low-throughput, and often subjective, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Spermotile offers a breakthrough solution for ART through an automated, AI-driven platform that integrates three key technologies: stain-free optical microscopy, a Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) engine powered by trustworthy AI, and a novel ActiveFilter microfluidic chip. The system selects and collects the highest quality ""star sperm"" for use in ART procedures. This selection process is performed with high throughput, minimal manual input, and without damaging sperm quality, significantly improving the efficiency and outcomes of fertility treatments.
Spermotile integrates easily into clinical workflows, adding just 30 minutes and minimal technician time. It improves ART success rates by up to 12%, reduces the number of cycles needed, boosts clinic throughput fivefold, and lowers costs for both patients and clinics.
Spermotile builds on prior European projects, including MUSICAL, 3D-nanoMorph, and ERC PoC-funded Spermotile. Aiming for TRL 6 and EU regulatory approval by 2027, it holds three pending patents and a growing IP portfolio, positioning it for commercialization.
By addressing SDGs 3.7 and 5.6 it also minimizes environmental impact through energy-efficient AI and ethical data management. The goal is to establish Spermotile as a standard tool in fertility clinics, revolutionizing male infertility treatment."
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-TRANSITION-01
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9019 Tromso
Norway
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