The world's first computer powered by human brain cells

Melbourne-based biotechnology startup Cortical Labs has officially launched CL1, the world's first commercial biological computer, at the Mobile World Congress 2025 taking place in Barcelona, ​​Spain, from March 3 to March 6, 2025.

Cortical Labs likens the CL1 biocomputer to a “body in a box,” a closed biological system capable of processing information and adapting in real time, similar to the way the human brain works.

By integrating living neurons with silicon technology, CL1 opens up the potential to reshape how artificial intelligence (AI) learns and makes decisions, and lays the foundation for breakthroughs in robotics, where systems can develop more flexible reasoning and responsiveness than traditional AI models.

What's unique about CL1 is that it uses lab-grown neurons, grown directly on a silicon chip, allowing them to send and receive nerve impulses in the same way the human brain works.

This system is then integrated into the Biological Intelligence Operating System (biOS) developed by Cortical Labs, which allows users to deploy code directly through neurons to perform various computing tasks.

To keep the neurons alive, CL1 is equipped with a support system including pumps, gas and temperature controls, helping the cells survive for up to 6 months under optimal conditions.

Not only is the system capable of learning and adapting rapidly, it also consumes significantly less energy than traditional silicon computers, according to Brett Kagan, chief scientist at Cortical Labs.

The first version of CL1, which included 800,000 human and mouse neurons on a chip, could learn to play video games on its own. The study showed that the neurons could not only learn, but also demonstrate sensory abilities when placed in a simulated game environment.

However, because it uses living brain cells, CL1 raises many ethical questions, especially regarding the consciousness and sensation of the neurons in the system.

Cortical Labs said it has implemented safeguards to address these issues, but did not provide many details.

On the official website, Cortical Labs asserts: “Neurons are self-programming, incredibly flexible, and the result of 4 billion years of evolution.”

The company also emphasized that CL1 combines biology with traditional computing, creating an optimal learning system. Unlike conventional AI, CL1's neural system requires very little power and training data to master complex tasks.

Price and future vision

Cortical Labs expects to begin shipping the first CL1s next June, with a price tag of around $35,000.

“Today is an important milestone marking our journey of nearly six years of research and development,” said Dr. Hon Weng Chong, founder and CEO of Cortical Labs.

The company's mission, he stressed, is to democratize this technology, making it easily accessible to researchers without the need for specialized hardware and software.

“CL1 is the first step in realizing that mission. While this is an important announcement, it is only the foundation for the next phase of innovation. The real impact will come from the researchers, academics and innovators who will continue to build on this foundation,” added Hon Weng Chong.