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AI-Driven STAR System at Columbia University Yields First IVF Pregnancy

Developed over five years at Columbia University, the STAR system has located rare sperm in azoospermic samples to achieve a pregnancy now five months along; peer-reviewed findings are under review with clinic rollout in preparation.

As artificial intelligence shapes fertility care, it’s now helping doctors at Columbia University Fertility Center find hidden sperm.
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An embryologist works with advanced imaging equipment while an embryo appears on the computer screen, symbolizing the high-precision fertility techniques used in the STAR system—an AI-powered method that helped detect hidden sperm in azoospermic men, leading to successful pregnancies after years of infertility.
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Overview

  • STAR leverages AI, high-speed imaging and a microfluidic chip to capture over 8 million images per hour for detecting and isolating viable sperm from azoospermic samples.
  • In lab tests, STAR found 44 sperm in an hour in samples where embryologists detected none after two days, demonstrating its sensitivity.
  • The first clinical case used three sperm isolated by STAR in March 2025 to fertilize an egg via IVF, leading to a pregnancy that is now five months along.
  • STAR offers a non-invasive and lower-cost alternative to surgical sperm extraction, costing under $3,000 compared to $12,000–$30,000 typical IVF expenses.
  • Currently exclusive to Columbia University Fertility Center, the STAR team is preparing a peer-reviewed publication and outreach efforts to expand access to other fertility clinics.