NEWS
中文Feature Story
- Publish Date：2024-08-01
From Lab to Startup, The Sperm Sorting Chip Helping Couples Conceive - An Interview with Professor Bor-Ran Li of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and CTO of iPreg Incorporation
By NCTU Alumni Voice
Translated by Hsuchuan, Edited by Chance Lai
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Translated by Hsuchuan, Edited by Chance Lai
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Startup ideas originating from academic research projects are not uncommon, but the inception of iPreg Incorporation, founded in 2018, exemplifies the successful blend of clinical collaboration, technology transfer, and co-entrepreneurship. The company uses bio-microfluidic chips to select high-quality, healthy sperm, thereby enhancing the success rate of IVF treatments and providing solutions for infertility patients.
The technological foundation of iPreg Incorporation stems from the research of its Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Professor Bor-Ran Li of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), and his team. Through engaging in hospital clinical research, they transformed academic collaboration into practical applications, addressing the “real needs” of hospitals and physicians, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and practical implementation.
Going Straight to Clinical Applications: Making Research Findings Widely Usable
Professor Bor-Ran Li’s approach diverged from the usual academic path. Instead of developing ideas in a lab’s “imagined environment” and later testing their real-world applicability, he went straight to clinical trials. This method avoided the typical academic process of aligning extensive research with societal needs. “I want to see my results widely used, benefiting society,” says Professor Li.
Seeking market entry through university technology transfer, Li teamed up with his doctoral classmate, Cheng-Yen Chung, to establish iPreg Incorporation. While Li focused on biochip research, Chung handled business management and external marketing. Their shared experiences from university days laid the foundation for a strong business partnership, cemented by deep mutual trust. Li recalls a significant incident during his doctoral studies in the UK, where he fell seriously ill. Chung’s daily visits and care during this time forged an unbreakable bond between them.
The technological foundation of iPreg Incorporation stems from the research of its Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Professor Bor-Ran Li of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), and his team. Through engaging in hospital clinical research, they transformed academic collaboration into practical applications, addressing the “real needs” of hospitals and physicians, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and practical implementation.
Going Straight to Clinical Applications: Making Research Findings Widely Usable
Professor Bor-Ran Li’s approach diverged from the usual academic path. Instead of developing ideas in a lab’s “imagined environment” and later testing their real-world applicability, he went straight to clinical trials. This method avoided the typical academic process of aligning extensive research with societal needs. “I want to see my results widely used, benefiting society,” says Professor Li.
Seeking market entry through university technology transfer, Li teamed up with his doctoral classmate, Cheng-Yen Chung, to establish iPreg Incorporation. While Li focused on biochip research, Chung handled business management and external marketing. Their shared experiences from university days laid the foundation for a strong business partnership, cemented by deep mutual trust. Li recalls a significant incident during his doctoral studies in the UK, where he fell seriously ill. Chung’s daily visits and care during this time forged an unbreakable bond between them.
Professor Bor-Ran Li and his team won the 16th National Innovation Award (Academic and Research Startup Category) for their “Reproductive Chip: Sperm Selection” project. (Photo provided by Bor-Ran Li)
With clear roles in their startup, iPreg Incorporation has achieved remarkable growth. Despite their product undergoing regulatory approval, the company secured 30 million TWD in angel investment by 2020 and signed significant contracts with hospitals across several Chinese provinces. Their sperm sorting chip has garnered considerable attention even before its market launch.
Professor Li attributes their success to the vast market demand. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, around 40,000 IVF treatments are conducted annually. In contrast, a single large hospital in China might see the same number of cases in a year, highlighting the pressing need for infertility solutions.
Breakthrough in Biochip Technology: Sperm Selection Becomes a Rising Star in Reproductive Medicine
Li’s team achieved a technological breakthrough with their bio-microfluidic chip, utilizing patented microfluidic principles to create a sperm “race track.” This innovation allows for the initial separation of high-quality sperm, which can then be extracted. The chip also addresses the limitation of handling only minute sample volumes, a common issue with previous biochips. By scaling up the throughput, their chip can extract high-quality sperm cells efficiently, positioning it as a star product in reproductive medicine.
Reflecting on his journey from academia to industry, Professor Li shares his most remarkable insight: “Don’t always solve problems from your professional perspective; find the best solution.” He illustrates this with a fruit cross-section diagram, comparing the core (the company’s key technology) to the flesh (essential operations like management, legal, and marketing). While core technology is crucial, managing a company requires expertise in various fields. Hence, they enlisted entrepreneurship expert Professor Po-Young Chu of the Department of Management Science at NYCU as a corporate mentor. They also composed their team with his doctoral students, effectively balancing academia and professional practice.
Professor Li also fondly recounts the mutual support among university alumni, reminiscent of the collaborative spirit in early Science Park ventures. For instance, alumni support was instrumental in a small-scale chip production project where high costs were a challenge. “Their assistance felt like a generous gift,” Li says with gratitude.
Reflecting on his journey, Li feels fortunate to be an academic. He is passionate about research and looks forward to obtaining FDA approval for their solution for infertility families soon. He hopes to bring “good luck” to every aspiring parent.
Please refer to the original text (Mandarin) for details.
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