At Fertilis, this question inspires everything we do. We design IVF instruments with the needs of the embryo, and the embryologist in mind.
The science that drives us
Every oocyte and embryo is unique. The zona pellucida, cytoplasm, response to the injection pipette and subsequent development vary. IVF is complex procedures performed on living, irreplaceable material.
Because each case is distinct, procedures require adaptability, care, and precision.
An oocyte and embryo experiences these processes as a series of physical events: how it is held, moved, and the mechanical stress transmitted to its membrane.
The challenges we face
Global demand for IVF is exploding, placing unprecedented pressure on skilled embryologists.
4M+
IVF cycles performed globally each year
PROJECTED 8 MILLION BY 2035
30%
Projected embryologist shortfall by 2030
CRITICAL TALENT GAP
5-7
Years to train a senior embryologist
LENGTHY CERTIFICATION
80%
Of procedures rely on manual technique
OPPORTUNITY FOR INNOVATION
4M+
IVF cycles performed globally each year (8M by 2035)
30%
Projected embryologist shortfall by 2030
5-7
Years to train a senior embryologist
80%
Of procedures rely on manual technique
The problem is not patient demand, it is the physical complexity embryologists must carry through their hands: one patient at a time.
What is the best IVF approach going forward?
Current innovation in IVF is heavily focused on full laboratory automation and robotics, aiming to replace or minimise the role of the embryologist.
We believe the future lies elsewhere. The embryologist is, and must remain, the catalyst for success.
The real gap is not the variability and limitations of the embryologist, it is that their tools have not kept pace with the sensitivity and precision these procedures demand.
At Fertilis, we’re building the infrastructure the modern embryologist deserves. Tools that enhance human expertise at scale, rather than replace it.
Discover the Fertilis difference
An embryo’s true potential is realised through human expertise
It wants to be held in a way that does not distort its shape more than biology requires.
It wants fewer unnecessary movements.
It wants the person performing its injection to have hands that are not affected by fatigue or pain.
It wants that person to recognise when something is not quite right and respond with skill and care.
In short: the embryo wants the best version of a skilled embryologist using fit-for-purpose tools.
We will not build the future of IVF by removing the only element that has ever truly understood what each embryo needs: a trained, attentive, accountable human being.
We create tools to serve both embryo and embryologist
Embryologists already know what excellence looks like. Fertilis exists to develop a suite of precision devices to assist them deliver it at scale.
We are creating a form of automation that amplifies the embryologist, delivering more cycles per expert while maximising the potential for the best outcomes.
Our devices aim to:
Integrate naturally into existing lab practice.
Preserve, rather than replace, embryologist judgement.
Scale capacity with your current team and infrastructure.
Build a foundation for better IVF outcomes.
In Patient Trials (7 sites, 2 countries)
microICSI
Simplifying sperm injection workflows
microICSI is designed to make intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) simpler and more controlled, with fewer manipulations and less time under the microscope. Gentler on embryos. Easier for embryologists. More consistent ICSI workflows.
First-in-Human Studies
microBiopsy
Reimagining mechanical embryo biopsy
microBiopsy is a purpose-designed approach to trophectoderm biopsy designed to improve procedural consistency while reducing technical burden across operators.
Discover microBiopsy
We are actively developing a portfolio of devices that: absorbs mechanical stress that would otherwise reach the oocyte, eliminates the need for suction-based holding that distorts cell shape, and reduces the number of hand movements required for the most delicate steps.
Availability is subject to the necessary regulatory approvals. During the initial launch phase, these devices may only be available at certain clinic sites and for specific patient populations.
Empowering the professionals behind every future family
Global demand for fertility treatment continues to grow. Meeting this demand requires technologies that enable laboratories to operate efficiently, while supporting the embryologist’s expertise and the needs of patients.
Fertilis develops technologies designed to help clinics meet the demand challenge and prepare for that future.
Embryos
Procedures designed to reduce stress from embryo manipulation and handling.
Embryologists
Reducing fatigue associated with complex procedures, supporting greater consistency and confidence.
Laboratories
Workflow improvements that enhance efficiency and support scalability.
Clinics
Supporting patient care through technologies designed for quality and consistency.
Built by people who deeply understand IVF
Fertilis was founded by leaders in reproductive science and embryology who have spent decades performing, teaching and improving IVF procedures. Their experience grounds every product in clinical reality.
Professor Jeremy Thompson is Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Fertilis. He invented the Fertilis devices after working in reproductive health for more than four decades.
Jeremy is an internationally recognised professor who has authored more than 200 journal articles. He has held leadership positions at the University’s Robinson Research Institute and the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics. From 1999 to 2004, he gained clinical experience serving as the director of IVF clinic Repromed.
He developed his commercialization experience through a ten-year partnership between The University of Adelaide, Cook Medical LLC, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. He has initiated a previous start-up, ART Lab Solutions Pty Ltd., and he was the commercialisation champion within the Robinson Research Institute.
Jeremy is a Fellow of the Society for Reproductive Biology, and in 2016, he was awarded its highest honor, The Founders Lecture. He holds a PhD in Veterinary Anatomy (Reproduction) from the University of Queensland.
More than forty years in reproductive biology and a period as director of an IVF clinic.
Professor David Gardner is a globally recognised IVF pioneer with considerable commercial experience in human ART, having developed the most successful culture system for the human embryo (G1/G2) and commercialized this system with Vitrolife AB in the late 1990s.
He is a Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor at the School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, and has served as the Scientific Director of Melbourne IVF since 2017. David has made vast contributions to the field of reproductive biology, which were recognized in both his 2017 election into the Australian Academy of Science and his winning of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s highest honor, the Distinguished Researcher Award. In June 2022 he was named a Member of the Order of Australia for Service to Reproductive Medicine and Education.
He has authored more than 300 publications, and he continues to lead innovation in human IVF. As the Scientific Director of Melbourne IVF, he has run successful clinical trials in both embryo culture and the use of artificial intelligence in IVF.
David is a Fellow of the Society for Reproductive Biology and holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of York, UK.
Architect of the most successful human embryo culture system ever commercialised.
Dr Kathryn Gebhardt is an experienced commercial and scientific leader, currently serving as Head of Commercial Strategy at Fertilis. She brings extensive expertise spanning reproductive health, genomics, IVF, embryology and molecular biology.
With a career that combines clinical embryology and genetics experience, deep scientific knowledge and commercial leadership, Kathryn has built a strong track record in managing complex commercial transitions, strategic planning, market development, clinical sales, customer engagement and cross-regional business growth. Most recently, she has led high-performing teams and commercial operations across Asia Pacific, supporting both direct and distributor markets while driving revenue growth, customer retention and operational excellence.
With a career that combines clinical embryology and genetics experience, deep scientific knowledge and commercial leadership, Kathryn has built a strong track record in managing complex commercial transitions, strategic planning, market development, clinical sales, customer engagement and cross-regional business growth. Most recently, she has led high-performing teams and commercial operations across Asia Pacific, supporting both direct and distributor markets while driving revenue growth, customer retention and operational excellence.
Deep clinical embryology and commercial leadership for the adoption of new technologies in IVF.
Roger Yerramsetti has more than 20 years of experience leading operational, innovation, and technology departments at ASX 100 companies, startups, and early-stage companies.
Roger has been working with Fertilis since 2019 when he began assessing and validating commercial opportunities, creating financial models, and proposing incremental prototype delivery to de-risk the business. He is a critical and creative thinker who solves business challenges by looking at them from multiple angles while staying close to the needs of the end user.
Leads Fertilis with a relentless focus on safety, quality, integrity and operational excellence.
Ready to explore an embryo-centric approach?
We’re building precision tools that put the embryo and embryologist first, while addressing the real challenges facing modern IVF labs. We work closely with top IVF clinics and research centres worldwide to ensure our tools are practical, effective, and seamlessly integrated into real-world labs.
The reduction in time required
“The reduction in time required for dish preparation and less factors to consider during setup is a significant advantage. It’s very user friendly and had no issues with the usability of the device.“
Senior Embryologist
How easy this is to use!
“This device is cool and exciting, and I like the concept with the eggs sitting to one side. No holding pipette is a huge benefit, dish prep is much quicker than preparing our existing dishes, and everything seems quicker.“
Laboratory Manager
You can easily train someone
“I love the versatility of this dish. You can easily use the dish to train someone no matter how you perform ICSI. From an egg manipulation perspective, it is easier to use and super smooth when rotating the egg.“
Scientific Director
microICSI is designed to make intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) suction-free, simpler and more controlled, with fewer manipulations and less time under the microscope.
microBiopsy is a purpose-designed approach to blastocyst biopsy designed to improve procedural consistency while reducing technical burden across operators.
