The software company ART Software Oy is a new member of the CleverHealth Network ecosystem, led by HUS Helsinki University Hospital. The company develops software for clinics offering in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. The company’s main product, Aline, meets the needs of IVF clinics, particularly with regard to the traceability and anonymity of human gametes. The software ensures that traceability is never lost, whilst data security is maintained in all circumstances. Petri Numminen and Sonja Lindfors spoke about ART Software’s expectations as a member of the CHN ecosystem.
Petri Numminen has served as CEO of ART Software since the company was founded in 2021. Based in Joensuu, ART Software employs over 10 people and specialises in developing software for clinics offering fertility treatments. At the heart of ART Software’s expertise lies the optimisation of IVF laboratory processes. The seamless flow of information between doctors and the laboratory is essential in IVF treatments, as timing is crucial, particularly during egg retrieval and embryo culture. The perfect synchronisation of these processes is at the heart of the Aline software’s functionality.
Expertise and clinical understanding
Sonja Lindfors holds a PhD in biochemistry and has a research background in embryology. She has been working on the development and testing of the Aline software for 1.5 years. Sonja works as an IVF software specialist and as the liaison for the CHN ecosystem. Her previous research background sparked her interest in fertility treatments and brings a clinical perspective to ART Software’s product development work. According to Sonja, the Aline software has already been piloted with several fertility clinics both in Finland and abroad, and discussions regarding its implementation are currently underway. ART Software is working closely to prepare for the launch of the National Institute for Health and Welfare’s (THL) new fertility treatment register. A great deal of practical work has already been done to enable the automatic transfer of register data required by THL. Clinics will begin transferring data to the new register on 1 January 2026.
ART Software joined the CHN ecosystem to gain access to clinical data from real-world clinical practice. This is essential for developing software that meets the actual needs of fertility clinics. The CHN ecosystem also offers opportunities for networking, collaboration and open dialogue with various stakeholders — these form a valuable foundation for impactful, data-driven development work.
Enthusiasm for collaboration on the IVF AI project
According to Sonja Lindfors, ART Software is very interested in the IVF AI project, which has recently been launched within the CHN ecosystem. Sonja sees the strengths of the Aline software as its browser-based nature, modern architecture and seamless data transfer between different units. In the IVF AI project, Aline could also serve as a testing platform for other companies’ technology solutions. The multi-client environment enables various testing set-ups and the simultaneous trialling of different algorithms. The software’s customisability and ability to integrate with other systems are further advantages. ART Software also has a strong understanding of the work processes in IVF laboratories.
Expectations and visions for the future
Within the CHN ecosystem, ART Software sees opportunities to address the emotional and logistical challenges faced by childless couples, particularly in relation to donated gametes. At present, clinic staff manually search the donor register to find suitable gamete donors and recipients for one another, but the adoption of technology will bring greater objectivity and efficiency to the process. Synchronising donors’ and recipients’ schedules, automating queue management, and ensuring fast and accurate data transfer are key challenges. Rapid data entry and innovative solutions, such as voice-controlled IVF tools, are being developed to make the work of IVF professionals easier.
ART Software works closely with both Finnish and international clinics. A new gamete bank is currently under development, with the aim of streamlining the management of donor waiting lists. In the near future, the company aims to attract more Finnish clinics as clients and expand into the Nordic and Baltic markets.
International cooperation and monitoring of the regulatory environment
International partnerships are vital for ART Software, as the regulation of IVF treatments varies from country to country. Local partners are essential due to legislative requirements. Sonja Lindfors points out that Europe is moving towards more uniform practices in donor cell treatments and that clinics’ operating procedures are being standardised. ART Software is monitoring these developments closely to stay up to date.
ART Software aims to ease the administrative burden on clinics by providing tools that reduce manual work and paperwork. This allows professionals to focus on their core expertise: patient care, comprehensive treatment planning and the selection of the best embryo. This leads to better care and a more efficient use of resources.
Active cooperation and greater impact
Petri Numminen and Sonja Lindfors are looking forward to collaborating and exchanging ideas with other partners. They have already experienced the supportive and welcoming atmosphere of the CHN ecosystem. ART Software’s main objective is to develop data-driven solutions, and CHN provides an excellent platform for this development work.
Finally, Sonja emphasises that the software developed by ART Software is also suitable for other cell and tissue donation procedures, such as corneal transplants, where traceability is crucial. The company’s technology has wider applications within the sector, particularly in light of new regulations such as the SoHo Regulation. The potential for ART Software’s solutions also extends beyond reproductive medicine.
Photo: Elisa Lehtilahti and Sonja Lindfors, IVF software specialists at ART Software, at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference.
