AI-Powered Sperm Tracking Leads to First Pregnancy after 19 Years

Jakarta – After nearly two decades of trying, a couple has achieved pregnancy thanks to an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Doctors at the Columbia University Fertility Center, under the direction of Dr. Zev Williams, successfully used AI to identify and retrieve viable sperm, leading to the couple’s long-awaited pregnancy in March 2025.

Sperm Tracking and Recovery (Star): A new Hope for Azoospermia

The technology, named Star (Sperm Tracking and Recovery), represents a significant advancement in reproductive medicine. It specifically targets cases of azoospermia, a condition where sperm is virtually absent in semen. Male infertility accounts for approximately 40% of infertility cases in the United States, with azoospermia contributing to about 10% of these cases. Previously, treatment options were limited, often relying on sperm donors [[reference]].

Did You Know? azoospermia affects roughly 1% of the male population and can be caused by various factors, including genetic abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and physical obstructions.

Dr.Williams and his team dedicated five years to developing star. The system combines AI algorithms with microfluidic chips to analyze semen samples. The AI scans over 8 million images per hour,identifying rare sperm cells amidst other debris. Once a sperm cell is detected, it’s directed to a separate tubule for collection, storage, or immediate use in fertilization.

How Star Technology Works

Star functions as a “super eye,” meticulously examining testicular tissue samples to locate the few viable sperm cells present. This process involves high-speed AI, high-resolution microscopes, and microfluidic chips. The system identifies sperm based on movement and visual characteristics, learning from visual data to improve accuracy over time. This AI-driven approach drastically reduces the time and effort required compared to traditional manual methods.

Pro Tip: For couples facing male infertility,exploring advanced technologies like star can substantially increase the chances of successful conception.

The Inspiration Behind Star

The concept behind Star draws inspiration from astrophysics, where AI is used to identify new stars and planets.dr. Williams explained, “If you can look at the sky filled with billions of stars and try to find new stars, or the birth of a new star, then maybe we can use the same approach to see through billions of cells and try to find a specific star we are looking for.”

A 19-Year Wait Ends with AI Assistance

Rosie and her husband, who had endured 15 unsuccessful IVF attempts over 19 years due to the husband’s azoospermia, became the first couple to achieve pregnancy using Star in March 2025. Rosie, 38, shared that she felt she was running out of time due to her advanced reproductive age. The Star procedure didn’t require any additional testing or procedures compared to their previous IVF cycles.

Dr. Williams’ team collected and froze sperm samples using Star. They then coordinated Rosie’s ovulation cycle for IVF. On the day of egg retrieval, fresh semen samples were processed through Star, and the collected sperm was used to fertilize the eggs. In less than an hour, Star identified 44 active sperm cells from a testicular sample previously deemed empty. This led to Rosie’s successful pregnancy.

The Future of AI in Fertility Treatment

The success of Star marks a new era in fertility treatment, offering hope to couples facing complex infertility challenges. While currently available at Columbia University, the technology is expected to be adopted by other fertility centers worldwide. This advancement highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize medical fields and improve lives.