Nearly 27.5 million couples in India face infertility, according to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction. This number is rising quickly, especially in cities. While IVF offers hope, the treatment remains complex, costly, and often outdated. Patients go through a lot of physical and emotional stress. Many regions lack access to proper care, and success rates vary widely. The fertility treatment system has not kept up with new advances in patient-centered care or affordability.
Two mechanical engineers, Ramnath Babu TJ and Santosh Bhargav DB, both PhD graduates from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, saw this gap firsthand. They met at IISc and bonded over design, biomechanics, and innovation. Babu studied at NIT Trichy, while Bhargav comes from NIT Durgapur.
“We were surprised that many fertility clinics still use mostly manual and analog methods, even today,” said Babu. This inspired them to start SpOvum Technologies, a deeptech company creating hardware and software solutions for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
Their goal was to develop innovative tools specifically suited to Indian clinics and patients. “Many imported tools did not address local challenges. Also, there was a lot of subjectivity in crucial steps like selecting embryos or eggs, which differed from one embryologist to another. This inconsistency affects success rates and adds emotional and financial stress to families,” Babu explained.
SpOvum’s vision is to use artificial intelligence (AI) wherever decisions are knowledge-based. The AI captures and applies data for better results. Where processes were manual, automation was introduced to reduce human error and improve precision. They aim to embed quality into the tools and systems themselves, not just rely on individual expertise. However, the human element remains vital for smooth operation.
Innovative AI-Powered Solutions
SpOvum offers several AI-driven and automated products to improve IVF care outcomes and make treatments more accessible:
RoboICSI Device: Their flagship product automates sperm injection with precise micro-manipulation. This reduces damage to eggs and increases fertilization consistency.
Time-Lapse Imaging Incubator: This incubator continuously records embryo development, helping embryologists choose the best embryos without disturbing them. It also supports personalized treatment plans.
ART Dashboard: A unified digital platform that gathers patient data, lab results, and clinical notes. It offers real-time insights and AI-powered recommendations.
AI Decision Support: This reduces subjectivity in selecting gametes or embryos by using AI trained on large datasets. It helps clinicians make explainable, consistent, data-backed decisions.
Modular Lab Automation: These systems automate repetitive lab tasks and standardize processes, cutting down on human errors and freeing up staff to focus on patient care.
Their systems are designed to be affordable and scalable. Clinics, especially in smaller towns, can adopt SpOvum’s tools with low upfront costs and pay per use. The company also provides digital training and local support teams to ensure smooth installation and long-term success.
Expanding Reach, Improving Lives
SpOvum designs and manufactures all products at their Bengaluru facility, working closely with clinicians to meet the highest safety and regulatory standards.
While their solutions are available across India, the startup focuses on Tier II and III cities, where fertility clinics and advanced IVF tools are scarce. “In these areas, patients often travel long distances for treatment. Our technology helps clinics provide better care locally,” said Babu.
SpOvum currently partners with 30 clinics in four states. They operate on a B2B model where clinics buy hardware and subscribe to AI software modules. Besides technology, SpOvum offers extensive training and support.
Many clinics report increased IVF success rates, from around 35% to over 50%, after adopting SpOvum’s platform. Babu says, “These numbers mean more than statistics. They represent families realizing their dreams of having children. Our solutions also streamline lab operations and reduce errors, creating a more confident and efficient environment for patients and staff.”
Since launching two years ago, the company has tripled its revenue each year. Globally, SpOvum competes with firms like Cooper Surgical, Vitrolife, Cook Medical, and Merck. Babu highlights their edge in offering a broad, integrated suite of solutions that deliver a comprehensive 360-degree view of data for smart decision-making. Their products are tailored to Indian clinics and cost-effective over time.
The startup began with support from LifeCell and has since received government grants through MSME. They plan to expand to over 100 clinics in India within 18 months. New AI-powered decision tools are also in development to make fertility care more accessible and improve outcomes further.
Commitment to Ethics and Patient Privacy
Babu stresses the importance of ethics in AI usage. “Our models are trained on anonymized, ethically sourced data, respecting patient privacy and following strict clinical ethics guidelines. We fully comply with the Indian ART Act. Every automated decision is explainable, but the final choice always rests with the clinician. Transparency and ethics are critical in such a sensitive field.”
Adoption challenges remain, as the fertility ecosystem is naturally cautious due to high stakes. Developing new technology requires substantial investment, talent, training, and regulatory approvals. Every product iteration undergoes strict testing and validation to ensure safety and effectiveness.
SpOvum’s team is growing rapidly, soon to include 100 experts with decades of experience in IVF, medical devices, quality systems, and embryology. While India is their main market, they are also exploring opportunities in East Africa and other regions to transform fertility care worldwide.
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