Does a computer using actual, real human brain cells seem too much like something out of a sci-fi film to be real? If that’s the case, then I guess we are now living inside of a science fiction movie. Australian startup Cortical Labs has all but turned the tech industry on its head by unveiling what they are saying is the world’s first commercial biological computer – the CL1. What is a biological computer, you ask? The first technology to merge lab-cultivated neurons from human stem cells (aka lab-grown brain cells) with silicon to create what the company terms as a more advanced and sustainable form of AI. They are calling this new tech Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI) – this is everything we know about it so far.
The Technology Behind CL1
Traditional computers use transistors, or switches, engraved in silicon to do their computing. There is a limit to how many of these switches you can have and how close they can be to one another, otherwise you run the risk of overheating. This new technology overcomes this problem. The CL1 computer is designed by nurturing real neurons in a nutrient-rich solution to ensure their health. These neurons are then integrated onto a silicon chip, enabling the transmission of electrical impulses within a neural network structure. Cortical Labs’ biological intelligence operating system (biOS) further enhances the capabilities of the neurons, allowing them to run simulations and interact with their environment. They also allow for a high density and number of switches without overheating, meaning that you can create a much more powerful computer.
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Features and Benefits
Traditional computers also require human intervention in order for them to ‘learn’ something new. CL1’s neurons are unique in that they can self-program, adapt flexibly, and have evolved over billions of years. Of course, human cells are not internal the way computers are, but they also use less energy. The neurons can remain operational for up to six months thanks to the CL1’s internal life support system. This groundbreaking technology requires minimal inputs and consumes significantly less energy compared to traditional AI methods, leading to extended research timelines. Moreover, Cortical Labs emphasizes that the CL1 is entirely free of animal testing, positioning it as an ethical and superior alternative that delivers more relevant human data and insights.
“We almost view it actually as a kind of different form of life to let’s say, animal or human,” Chief Scientific Officer Brett Kagan said in 2023. “We think of it as a mechanical and engineering approach to intelligence. We’re using the substrate of intelligence, which is biological neurons, but we’re assembling them in a new way.”
Availability and Future Plans
The scientists who created this technology don’t want it to be limited. As they have said, the more people who use it, the more it can learn and adapt. This means that they want as many people using it as possible, so that we can witness the real capabilities of SBI. Anticipated to be launched in the latter half of 2025, the CL1 computers will be made accessible to specialized labs seeking to grow their cells. Furthermore, founder and CEO Dr. Hon Weng Chong has announced plans to democratize access to the Cortical Cloud – offering Wetware-as-a-Service (WaaS) to enable remote access and application development using cultivated cells.
“We’re offering ‘Wetware-as-a-Service’ (WaaS),” said Dr. Weng Chong. “This platform will enable the millions of researchers, innovators and big-thinkers around the world to turn the CL1’s potential into tangible, real-word impact. We’ll provide the platform and support for them to invest in R&D and drive new breakthroughs and research.”
Pricing and Development
As with most new technology, cost is a big consideration. As things become more ubiquitous in society, they tend to decrease in cost over time. For example, look at the cost of a microwave when it was first invented versus now. With that said, this new tech isn’t exactly being sold for everyday, family prices. Each unit of the CL1 is projected to cost around $35,000 and consumes 850-1,000W of energy, without the need for an external computer for operation. Thankfully, most people will be able to access it without actually purchasing one, as you will be able to access the tech via the cloud. As part of the company’s expansion plans, a biological neural network server stack housing 30 individual units is set to go online soon, with four stacks aimed for commercial use via the cloud by the end of 2025.
The CL1 represents an enhanced version of Cortical Labs’ previous biological computer, formerly known as DishBrain. The company, backed by $11 million in funding from investors such as Horizons Ventures, Blackbird Ventures, and In-Q-Tel, has showcased continuous innovation in the field of synthetic biological intelligence.
The Bottom Line
We are still only in the beginning of the integration of AI and SBI into our world. The introduction of the CL1 by Cortical Labs marks a significant milestone in the realm of AI technology, propelling the industry towards a more advanced, sustainable, and ethically-driven future. As to when that future will arrive and exactly what it will look like, we don’t yet know. This is a new frontier in technology, and we are the pioneers.
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