Cortical Labs Unveils Groundbreaking Biological Computer Integrating Brain Cells

In a groundbreaking development that could redefine the landscape of computing, Australian startup Cortical Labs has introduced the CL1, touted as the first commercial 'biological computer'. This innovative device merges lab-grown human brain cells with silicon, marking a significant leap in the potential for adaptive and intelligent systems. The product was unveiled in March 2025 and aims to facilitate advancements in drug discovery, disease modeling, and neuroscience research.

Dr. Brett Kagan, Chief Scientific Officer at Cortical Labs, explained that the CL1 is designed to harness the superior information processing capabilities of brain cells. "Cortical Labs was started with the question in mind: ‘What if we use the most powerful information processor that we currently know of?’ And that, ultimately, is brain cells," he stated during a Zoom interview. The potential applications for the CL1 are extensive, including personalized medicine, where scientists could culture an individual’s cells and test various drugs to tailor treatments effectively.

The launch of the CL1 follows the publication of a pivotal paper in the journal Neuron in 2022, detailing an experiment where brain cells in a dish were trained to play the arcade game Pong. Dr. Kagan noted that the speed at which the cells learned was surprising, with significant learning occurring within minutes. This discovery not only validates the capabilities of biological computers but also points toward a future where these systems could perform complex tasks with minimal energy consumption. To illustrate this, he highlighted that the human brain operates on approximately 20 watts of power, in stark contrast to the energy-intensive demands of current artificial intelligence models, which can consume up to 1,300 megawatt hours during training.

The implications of biological computers extend far beyond immediate applications. Experts suggest that these systems could evolve into platforms for 'generalized intelligence', emulating human-like problem-solving abilities. However, this technological frontier is not without ethical considerations. Concerns have been raised about whether such systems could experience pain or consciousness. Dr. Kagan reassured that the CL1 lacks pain receptors and is not designed to feel pain, indicating a proactive approach by Cortical Labs to address ethical dilemmas in collaboration with bioethicists.

This innovation arrives at a pivotal moment in the tech landscape, where the demand for more efficient, adaptable computing solutions is ever-increasing. With proper investment and research, the potential for biological computers to revolutionize fields such as robotics and cybersecurity is immense. Cortical Labs aims to leverage these advancements to not only improve technology but also to enhance human health outcomes through tailored medical treatments.

As Cortical Labs continues to explore the vast possibilities afforded by biological computing, the scientific community remains eager to see how this technology will unfold. "I think the most exciting applications may be ones that I’m not even going to be able to tell you today," Dr. Kagan added, highlighting the unpredictable nature of innovation in this burgeoning field. The vision is clear: as we delve deeper into understanding the brain, we may also unlock new paradigms of intelligence that could change the very fabric of technology and medicine as we know them.