From Lab to Clinic: Designing Clinically Relevant Sperm Sorting Tools for IVF Applications

Description:
This is a hands-on, challenge-based workshop focused on building microfluidic sperm sorting solutions for assisted reproduction. Attendees will be grouped into 2-3 teams and presented with a clinical scenario derived from real-world IVF settings (e.g., selecting viable sperm for ICSI in a patient with low sperm motility or high DNA fragmentation).

Each team will:

1. Interpret and define the clinical need
2. Extract engineering and biological design parameters
3. Ideate a microfluidic tool for sperm sorting (e.g., based on rheotaxis, thigmotaxis, DFI selection)
4. Create a conceptual design or storyboard
5. Pitch the solution for peer and expert feedback

The workshop will be punctuated by short, high-impact talks led by Prof. Warkiani on:

• Lessons learned from NeoGenix Biosciences (e.g., SpermSearch™ development)
• Bridging academia and clinic: Engaging IVF clinicians and embryologists
• Regulatory and commercialization pathways for sperm selection tools
• Avoiding common pitfalls in product translation

Objectives:
Attendees will gain:

• A framework for engaging clinical partners and understanding IVF workflows
• Tools to scope and prioritize engineering requirements for sperm sorters
• A deeper understanding of the biological and regulatory challenges in IVF
• First-hand translational insights from the development and rollout of NeoGenix's SpermSearch™, including AI integration, clinical trials, and international validation

Key Takeaway:
Participants will leave with a structured sperm sorting problem, an initial concept proposal, and an understanding of how to take a clinically relevant idea through to commercial translation. Participants Will Need the Following:
Basic sketching materials (pens, post-its, templates).