The first commercial computer powered by human brain cells is now available for purchase, according to Australian biotechnology firm Cortical Labs. The CL1, priced at $35,000, allows researchers to deploy code directly to lab-grown neurons, offering a novel platform for biological computing.
Cortical Labs initially demonstrated the potential of this technology in 2021 with a prototype system dubbed “DishBrain,” which successfully learned to play the video game Pong. The CL1 builds upon that earlier function, scaling the concept into an engineered hardware system featuring 59 electrodes arranged on a metal and glass array. The system utilizes a bioreactor to maintain living human neurons cultivated from stem cells, nourished by a specialized nutrient solution.
Unlike traditional computers relying on silicon chips, the CL1 leverages the inherent learning capabilities of biological neural networks. Cortical Labs asserts that this approach requires significantly less energy and training data to accomplish complex tasks. The company estimates the CL1 consumes just 20 watts of power, a fraction of the energy demands of conventional artificial intelligence systems.
The CL1 operates using an operating system called “biOS,” or Biological Intelligence Operating System. According to Cortical Labs, biOS simulates an environment and transmits information to the neurons, with their responses then influencing the simulated world. The device includes the bioreactor, software, data, and a touchscreen interface, eliminating the necessitate for external computers. USB connectivity allows for the integration of input devices, cameras, and actuators.
The company highlights the potential of biocomputing to revolutionize fields like healthcare, enabling advancements in personalized medicine and cell therapies. Cortical Labs also emphasizes the ethical advantage of offering a research platform that does not require animal testing.
However, the lifespan of the neurons within the CL1 is limited, with the company stating a viability of “up to six months.” Researchers can order the devices now, but must account for the finite operational window of the biological component. Cortical Labs also offers a cloud-based platform, the Cortical Cloud, for distributed biological computing, allowing users to access and deploy code to neurons remotely.
A video demonstration of the original DishBrain prototype, released in April 2025, shows the neurons learning to play Pong, mirroring the initial breakthrough that spurred the development of the CL1. Cortical Labs continues to refine the technology, aiming to unlock the potential of biological intelligence for a wide range of applications.
