New data center will be partially powered by human brain cells for the first time
An Australian startup, Cortical Labs, is developing a biological data center that integrates lab-grown human neurons with traditional computing hardware. The facility, initially launched in Melbourne and planned for expansion in Singapore, uses hybrid systems called CL1 that combine living neural networks with electronic components. The goal is to explore whether biological systems can enhance computing efficiency for specific tasks through adaptive learning processes.
- ▪Cortical Labs has opened a biological data center in Melbourne, Australia, with plans for a larger site in Singapore.
- ▪The CL1 system uses approximately 200,000 lab-grown human neurons on a microelectrode array to interface biological and electronic signals.
- ▪Previous experiments demonstrated that these neurons could learn to play simplified games like Pong and interact with a basic version of Doom through feedback loops.
- ▪The hybrid system includes a life-support environment to maintain cell viability and software to translate neural activity into digital outputs.
- ▪The technology aims to complement, not replace, traditional silicon-based computing by leveraging the adaptive nature of living neurons.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/new-data-center-will-be-partially-powered-by-human-brain-cells-for-the-first-time |
| Publication time | Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:14:21 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-04-28T12:19:31.915Z |
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Technology Computing New data center will be partially powered by human brain cells for the first time A startup is experimenting with data centers powered by lab-grown human neurons, testing whether living cells can offer a more efficient alternative to traditional computing. By Carly Page published 28 April 2026 in News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Yuichiro Chino via Getty Images) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Share this article 6 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter An Australian startup is building what could become one of the world's first "biological data centers" — augmenting silicon computing chips with…
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