World-first biological data center uses 16 million living human neurons to process data

Researchers in Singapore have just unveiled a new type of data center prototype that uses living human neurons to process information instead of relying entirely on silicon chips. The project was launched by the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine). To develop the prototype, the university teamed up with data center developer DayOne and biological computing startup Cortical Labs. Established at the NUS Life Sciences Institute, the Biological Data Centre is made up of 20 CL1 biological computing units. The CL1 is the world’s first commercial, code-deployable biological computer. It is powered by 800,000 lab-grown human brain cells. Rickie Patani, PhD, a professor of Neuroscience at NUS Medicine, pointed out that this is the world’s first independently operated biologically integrated server rack. “This partnership marks a genuine shift in how we think about computing and its broader scientific potential,” Rickie Patani, PhD, a professor of Neuroscience at NUS Medicine, said. Brain cells at work Traditional data centers rely on silicon processors and general-purpose Central Processing Units (CPUs). They typically use standard air cooling to handle cloud computing, web hosting, and database storage workloads. Biological computing, in contrast, uses wetware to process data. This consists of living neurons grown from stem cells. The neurons are connected to computing hardware via microelectrode arrays. These let electrical signals pass between the biological cells and digital systems. Hon Weng Chong, Cortical Labs founder and CEO, discussing the prototype.Credit: National University of Singapore (NUS) The approach holds dual promise. “By growing living human neurons from stem cells and pairing them with rigorous engineering, we’re not only building a more efficient alternative to silicon; we’re creating a platform that can help us understand learning and adaptation at their biological source,” Patani added. The team showcased the system on August 6. The event included microelectrode array integration and real-time neural network activity. More than 80 guests saw the CL1 and Cortical Cloud units in operation. Ready for real use NUS Medicine will provide the expertise to maintain the living cells. The team will grow and care for them under the supervision of Patani. The researchers believe that biological computing could operate with a fraction of the power required by conventional digital computers. This could become significant as AI increases data center electricity use. As per the IEA (International Energy Agency), data center electricity demand jumped 17 percent in 2025. According to Cortical Labs, the technology could complement AI, particularly in tasks where little data is available. Living neural systems can learn from limited information and adapt as conditions change, according to the company. Rickie Patani, PhD, at the launch of the Biological Data Center Prototype.Credit: National University of Singapore (NUS) According to Hon Weng Chong, Cortical Labs founder and CEO, some potential applications include drug discovery, humanoid robotics, cybersecurity and fraud detection. “Ultimately, this is about offering a more sustainable path for the technologies humankind depends on,” Chong explained in a press release. Additionally, the technology could support neurological disease research and accelerate the development of new drugs. Meanwhile, Jamie Khoo, DayOne’s CEO, said the project could help bring biological computing to the market. “We are proud to contribute to translating frontier scientific research into practical impact, with world-class partners, in one of the world’s most sustainability-driven markets,” Khoo concluded.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Her work has appeared in Daily Mail, Mirror, Daily Star, Yahoo, NationalWorld, Newsweek, Press Gazette and others. She covers stories on batteries, wind energy, sustainable shipping and new discoveries. When she's not chasing the next big science story, she's traveling, exploring new cultures, or enjoying good food with even better wine.