Cl1: First biological computer combines human and silicon neurons to work with

A startup australiana Cortical Labs has just launched the CL1a milestone in computer history: the first commercially available biological computer.

Innovative technology combines cultivated human neurons in laboratory with silicon chips To create a system that can learn and adapt similar to a biological brain.

Presented in Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025in Barcelona, ​​CL1 opens a new era in computing by introducing the concept of Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI – Synthetic Biological Intelligence)a promising alternative to traditional artificial intelligence.

With an estimated initial price in US$ 35.000the company’s expectation is that the first devices will be delivered to researchers and developers in June this year.

How does the cl1 work?

CL1 is a hybrid system in which human neurons cultivated from stem cells They are positioned on a silicon chip. This fusion enables bidirectional communication:

• The chip sends electrical impulses to stimulate neurons.
• Neurons process the information and generate new answers.
• The system records and analyzes these answers, improving learning capacity.

To maintain the feasibility of neurons, the Cl1 has a vital support system highly sophisticated, which regulates temperature, gas exchange, nutrition and waste removal – ensuring that the cells remain functional over time.

According to Cortical Labs, this model of biological computing can learn faster than conventional AI systems And consume much less energy.

While training a model of AI like the GPT-3 demands near 1,300 megawatts-hora – the equivalent of annual consumption of 130 residences in the US – a Rack with 30 units cl1 consumes only 850 to 1,000 watts.

Energy economy, therefore, is one of the great attractions of CL1, which can help reduce the environmental impact of AI technologies.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT: FROM DISHBRAIN TO CL1

Cl1 is the result of over six years of Cortical Labs research. In 2022, the company gained prominence in developing the DishBraina system composed of 800,000 brain cells which was trained to play Pong – one of the first experiments to demonstrate the learning capacity of biological neural networks.

Dishbrain showed that cultivated neurons can be trained to perform specific tasks through stimuli, rewards and feedback. This success was an essential step for the development of CL1, which is now ready for more advanced applications.

What makes biological intelligence synthetic different from traditional AI?

CL1 draws attention for its innovative technique in relation to artificial intelligence. Different from conventional models, which are based exclusively on data processing on silicon chips, the Cl1 uses biological neural networks. This brings important advantages, such as:

• Lower energy consumptionreducing the carbon footprint of high performance computing.
• Faster learningallowing inferences from small amounts of data.
• Adaptation capacitywhich makes the system efficient for tasks that require flexibility and contextual interpretation.

In addition, the interaction of neurons with the chip creates a High Band width communication channel Between the biological network and digital components, facilitating the integration of CL1 with other computing technologies.

Possible applications of biological computing

CL1 has the potential to revolutionize various areas, including:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Biological computing can allow the creation of It was more efficient and adaptablecapable of dealing with complex tasks, such as interpretation of standards, voice recognition and computational vision with less need for extensive training.

2. Biomedical research and disease modeling

Researchers can use CL1 to Test new treatments and medicines in an environment closer to the real behavior of the human brain. This can lead to advances in understanding neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson.

3. Development of new brain-machine interfaces

With its hybrid architecture, the CL1 can serve as a basis for advanced neural interfacesenabling advances in communication between humans and machines, such as neural prostheses controlled directly by thought.

4. Simulation of natural neural networks

The study of neurons behavior in CL1 can provide New insights on brain functioningassisting in research in neuroscience and cognitive psychology.

CL1 is a milestone in making biological computing accessible to researchers and innovatives, without the need for hardware or specialized software

Hon Weng ChongCEO da Cortical Labs.

WETWARE-BAS-A-SERVICE (WAAS): Remote access to biological computing

Despite the physical version, Cortical Labs will offer the Cl1 as a cloud -based servicecalled Wetware-as-a-Service (WaaS).

This solution will allow researchers from anywhere in the world to access the system remotely to test algorithms, perform simulations and develop new applications without needing its own physical infrastructure.

The method democratizes access to technology, allowing scientists and developers to exploit the potential of biological computing without having to invest in specialized equipment.

Challenges and ethical questions

Despite the enthusiasm around Cl1, biological computing still faces significant challenges. Keep live and functional neurons Outside a natural biological environment requires very advanced technologies, which can hinder the scalability of the production of these systems.

In addition, questions arise ethical and philosophical about the use of human neurons in technology. Although cells used in Cl1 are cultivated from stem cells and have no awareness, there are concerns about the boundaries of biological AI.

Bioethasticist Silvia Velascofrom the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, warns of the need for clear regulations:

Although these systems are still primitive and distant from any kind of consciousness, it is essential to anticipate and discuss the ethical impacts of this technology before they become a more complex reality

Given these challenges, Cortical Labs works in partnership with researchers, scientists and ethics specialists To ensure that the development of the cl1 follows responsible and safe principles.

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A new paradigm for computing

The launch of CL1 marks the beginning of a New Age in Computingwhere Biological neural machines and networks can work together to improve information processing.

With the potential to transform areas such as AI, neuroscience and medicine, biological computing can represent one of the most significant advances of the 21st century. However, its development requires in -depth debate on ethical and scientific limits of this new border.

In any case, the Cl1 opens doors for a future where artificial intelligence becomes more natural, efficient and integrated with the functioning of the human brain.

Fonte: Cortical Labs