Islamabad, June 7, 2025: An innovative Australian firm, Cortical Labs, has developed what it calls the first commercially available living computer capable of executing code. Named CL1, this system merges live human brain cells with silicon circuits, introducing a groundbreaking avenue for research in neuroscience and biotechnology.
Constructed with Living Brain Cells
Launched in March, the CL1 operates using about 800,000 lab-created neurons obtained from adult human skin or blood cells. These brain cells are cultivated on a microchip and maintained in a self-sustaining system that ensures proper nutrition, controls temperature, eliminates waste, and maintains fluid balance. These neurons interact using electrical signals and adapt instantly to changes in external conditions.
Responsive, Real-Time Processing
Unlike standard processors, this living computer uses ultra-fast electrical signals—within a fraction of a millisecond—for data processing. This setup results in a live neural web that responds dynamically, enabling a form of biological computation based on innate human intelligence.
This platform works by introducing mild electrical inputs—representing data—into the system. The neurons respond by producing measurable activity, which is captured and translated by the embedded software and hardware for real-time interaction and learning.
According to Brett Kagan, Chief Scientific Officer at Cortical Labs, this model mimics the brain’s natural communication style. It allows scientists to study neural pathways and how they respond to various stimuli like pharmaceutical treatments or artificial damage.
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A Living Research Platform
Primarily developed for scientific exploration, CL1 offers a controlled space for examining neurological behavior, genetic variance, and medicinal reactions. The platform provides an ongoing loop where digital environments can continuously influence neural behavior.
Karl Friston, a neuroscientist at University College London, refers to CL1 as a game-changing tool. He says the device turns the long-debated “brain in a vat” theory into a functional reality for experimental neuroscience and cognitive research.
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Pricing and Accessibility
Cortical Labs is set to deliver the initial batch of 115 CL1 units by summer. A single unit is priced at $35,000, with bulk packages available at $20,000 per unit for 30-unit server configurations. Additionally, the company provides cloud-based access to its in-house systems at $300 per week.
Each device can remain operational for up to half a year. When operating a full rack of 30 units, power consumption falls between 850 to 1,000 watts—significantly lower than most AI-powered data centers.
A Breakthrough in Bio-Computing
Though CL1 doesn’t aim to replace current AI technology, it paves a new path for studying how biological entities think, adjust, and learn. Friston believes the system’s real potential lies in its ability to transform biological and cognitive research, rather than in competing with silicon-based AI.
