The Origin
ERC Starting Grant 3D-nanoMorph (2019-2025)
The ERC project 3D-nanoMorph (id 804233) is about developing label-free quantitative nanoscope with super-resolution imaging capability for imaging living biological systems. We developed Spermotile on the path to solving the challenges of reaching the high-risk objective of 50 nm isotropic resolution. Spermotile’s value proposition is ‘ability to identify the best quality sperms from a semen sample’ for use in the fertilization process of the ARTs. Spermotile is based on an intellectual property for which patent application has been submitted.
Refer to the link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/804233
Link also to: https://norinnova.no/spermotile/
Piecing the market need
Research Council of Norway’s Qualification project (2023)
Infertility is an increasing issue that currently affects 12% of couples worldwide. Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) have been introduced at hospitals and clinics to help reproduction for people with infertility, although with limited success. Computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) solutions are now being increasingly adopted for assisting with the sperm analysis and assessment to improve the success of ARTs. However, there are hardly any verifiable reports that claim explicit improvement in the success rate of fertilization. This is the reason why CASA solutions are only being used as a visual assistance and statistical analysis tool. Spermotile will change this. However, for this, it is important to understand what exactly the market expects from CASA solutions and what pain point can Spermotile solve. This project supported funds for this market analysis.
Refer to the link: https://prosjektbanken.forskningsradet.no/en/project/FORISS/344599
Improving TRL
Horizon Europe’s ERC PoC project (2023-2024)
The ART market is growing at an annual rate of 7.8%. Our population is aging, people are planning families at later ages, and fertility is deteriorating due to occupational, environmental and lifestyle factors. Thus, it is becoming a societal challenge to maintain population growth. This project aims to turn Spermotile’s groundbreaking research into a marketable idea with a proven concept through improving its technology readiness level and identify potential partners.
Refer to the link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101123485
REACHing Silicon Valley
Nordic Innovation House’s REACH program (2023-2024)
Spermotile cultivates hope one sperm at a time. We pick the diamond from a pile of pebbles when it comes to the sperm that becomes your baby! Just like Spermotile, Nordic Innovation House handpicks just a few Scandinavian research-born innovations per year since 2014 for their REACH program. Reach program provides training and mentoring by Silicon Valley leaders and provides a direct access to the Silicon Valley ecosystem. Spermotile is selected for 2023-2024 program, and is already making a mark.
Refer to the link: https://www.nordicinnovationhouse.com/siliconvalley/sv-programs/reach
Refer to the link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/proudly-presenting-reach-cohort-2023-24-nordicinnovationhouse-envxc