Couple achieves pregnancy after nearly two decades with innovative AI solution

In March 2025, at Columbia University Fertility Center in the United States, doctors successfully reported the first pregnancy accomplished with a novel artificial intelligence (AI) procedure known as STAR. This groundbreaking procedure addresses azoospermia, a prevalent form of male infertility characterized by the absence of sperm in semen. This couple had been attempting to conceive for nearly twenty years, with minimal options available until the introduction of this innovative technology. Until the advent of STAR, those facing challenges with azoospermia had primarily relied on donor sperm, making conception difficult and emotionally taxing. The STAR system operates by combining advanced sperm analysis with the ability to actively isolate viable sperm from a semen sample. Dr. Williams, a key figure in the development of the STAR technology, likens the process to searching for a specific star among billions in the sky, or a needle lost within numerous haystacks. During testing, the system proved its efficacy by identifying 44 sperm in a sample that had previously yielded no results after two days of analysis by embryologists. This capability provides a more targeted approach to treating male infertility, making it a significant advancement over traditional methods. For the couple, named Rosie and her husband, their experience with STAR required no additional tests beyond what is typically involved in an IVF cycle. After the retrieval of Rosie’s eggs and the collection of her husband's sperm, STAR processed the sample and identified viable sperm to fertilize the eggs. Within just two hours, they learned that the fertilization had been successful, leading to a joyful announcement of pregnancy. Rosie expressed disbelief at their success, reflecting on the emotional journey they had faced over the years. This achievement opens a new avenue in fertility treatments and suggests that AI could play an essential role in addressing various infertility problems beyond azoospermia. Dr. Williams anticipates that as AI technology continues to develop and integrate into healthcare, it could help reveal and tackle issues that current medical practices overlook. With the introduction of STAR, hope is rekindled for couples struggling to conceive, demonstrating the potential for AI to transform reproductive health and assist many more families in the future.