The startup Cortical Labs has embarked on the creation of two data centres that operate using human brain cells, according to Bloomberg.
The technology is based on neurons grown in laboratory conditions from stem cells. These neurons are placed on special silicon chips that send electrical impulses into the biological tissue and record the response. Software interacts with the cells, interpreting their activity as computational results.
Essentially, the startup is creating a hybrid system where living tissue functions as a processor.
Advantages and Energy Efficiency
The developers cite extremely low energy consumption as the main advantage of this approach.
Neurons consume significantly less energy compared to traditional AI processors. The founder and CEO of the startup, Hon Weng Chong, emphasized that each CL1 unit uses fewer resources than a pocket calculator.
A data centre based on the completed system has been established in Melbourne. A second is under construction in Singapore in partnership with DayOne Data Centers.
According to Chong, the Melbourne site will house 120 CL1 modules, while in Singapore, the number is expected to reach 1,000 units. The startup aims to offer the market an alternative to traditional server racks, although it may take decades to fully replace conventional equipment.
The project reflects scientists’ efforts to address the shortage of computing power. Amid the artificial intelligence boom, experts already consider energy the world’s most valuable resource, prompting the industry to seek less energy-intensive data processing methods.
Despite currently modest power figures, Cortical Labs’ systems show steady development. One of the company’s early achievements was training brain cells to play Pong, and in February of this year, the biological system managed to interact with the iconic shooter Doom.
Back in August 2024, the Swiss company FinalSpark created a computer architecture from human brain organoids. The company rents out its computing power to researchers for $500 a month.
Previously, Chinese scientists developed a robot with a lab-grown artificial brain capable of learning to perform various tasks.