Singapore unveils biological data center prototype with 16 million neurons
Singapore just unveiled a one-of-a-kind biological data center prototype at the National University of Singapore.
Built by NUS Medicine, Cortical Labs, and DayOne, this prototype is estimated to involve roughly 16 million lab-grown human neurons spread across 20 CL1 computing units.
By blending living neurons with silicon hardware, the system aims to make AI and computing more energy-efficient and adaptable.
CL1 units host about 800,000 neurons
Each CL1 unit holds about 800,000 stem cell-derived neurons linked to silicon microelectrode arrays.
These neurons act like tiny processors, communicating with software in real time using Cortical Labs's biOS operating system.
The setup is a big leap toward hybrid computers that mix biology with traditional tech.
Researchers are excited about its potential to make AI smarter and greener, especially for robotics and biomedical research, showing Singapore's push to lead in next-generation computing.