A New Era of Computing: Synthetic Biological Intelligence
Imagine a computer that doesn’t just mimic human intelligence but is built from it. That’s the promise of the CL1, the world’s first commercially available Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI) system, developed by Australian biotech pioneers Cortical Labs. Launched in Barcelona in March 2025, the CL1 is a groundbreaking fusion of human brain cells and silicon hardware, creating a dynamic, energy-efficient, and self-learning neural network that could redefine the future of AI.
Unlike traditional silicon-based AI, which relies on rigid algorithms and massive energy consumption, the CL1 harnesses the adaptability of living neurons. These lab-grown brain cells form fluid, ever-evolving networks on a silicon chip, capable of learning and adapting at speeds that leave conventional AI in the dust.
“This isn’t just a step forward for AI—it’s a leap into a new paradigm,” says Dr. Hon Weng Chong, founder and CEO of Cortical Labs. “We’re not just building smarter machines; we’re creating a new form of intelligence.”
From Pong to the Future: The Evolution of SBI
Cortical Labs first made waves in 2022 when they trained a network of 800,000 human and mouse neurons to play the classic arcade game Pong. Dubbed “DishBrain,” this early prototype demonstrated the potential of biological computing, showing that neurons could adapt and learn in response to stimuli.
Fast forward to 2025, and the CL1 represents a quantum leap in the technology. Gone are the opaque CMOS chips of the DishBrain era. Instead, the CL1 uses a simpler, more stable planar electrode array made of metal and glass, allowing researchers to observe and interact with the neural networks in real time.
“The CL1 is like a body in a box,” explains Brett Kagan, Cortical’s Chief Scientific Officer. “It has everything the neurons need to thrive—temperature control, gas mixing, and even pumps to keep the environment stable. It’s a living, breathing computer.”
Wetware-as-a-Service: Democratizing Biological Computing
One of the most exciting aspects of the CL1 is its accessibility. Cortical Labs is offering “Wetware-as-a-Service” (WaaS), allowing researchers to either purchase the biocomputer outright or rent time on the system via the cloud. This democratizes access to cutting-edge SBI technology, enabling scientists, innovators, and big thinkers worldwide to explore its potential.
At $35,000 per unit, the CL1 is significantly more affordable than comparable technologies, which can cost upwards of $85,000. Each unit consumes just 850-1,000 watts of energy, making it not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable.
The applications are vast. From accelerating drug discovery and disease modeling to revolutionizing robotics and AI, the CL1 has the potential to transform industries. “We’re aiming to replace significant areas of animal testing with this technology,” says Kagan. “It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about ethics.”
The Minimal Viable Brain: A New Frontier
Cortical Labs isn’t stopping at the CL1. The team is already working on the next big challenge: building the “Minimal Viable Brain” (MVB). This concept involves creating the smallest possible neural network capable of complex, human-like intelligence.
“What’s the smallest number of neurons you need to create a functional brain?” Kagan muses. “Is it 30? 300? We don’t know yet, but with the CL1, we’re closer than ever to finding out.”
The MVB could unlock new possibilities in neuroscience, offering a powerful tool for studying brain-related diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. By understanding the fundamental building blocks of intelligence, researchers could develop more effective treatments—and perhaps even cures.
The Ethics of Wetware
As with any groundbreaking technology, the CL1 raises important ethical questions. What does it mean to create a “living” computer? Could these neural networks develop consciousness? Cortical Labs is acutely aware of these concerns and has implemented strict regulatory safeguards to ensure the ethical use of SBI.
“We’re not just building technology—we’re building trust,” says Kagan. “This is about creating a future where biological computing benefits humanity, without crossing ethical boundaries.”
The Future Is Wet
The CL1 is more than just a new kind of computer—it’s a glimpse into a future where biology and technology are seamlessly intertwined. As Cortical Labs continues to push the boundaries of SBI, one thing is clear: the age of wetware has arrived.
