FinalSpark tests living neurons as a biocomputing platform

The article discusses the emerging field of biological computing, where living neural networks—cultured human neurons—are used as computational elements, offering a novel alternative to traditional silicon-based processors. FinalSpark, a Swiss biocomputing lab founded in 2014 by Dr. Martin Kutier and Dr. Fred Jordan, has pioneered this approach by developing Neuroplatform, the world’s first remotely accessible bioprocessor that leverages lab-grown human brain cells for computation. This technology aims not to replicate the human brain but to harness its efficiency in tasks like learning, adaptation, and pattern recognition, potentially outperforming conventional hardware in energy consumption and computational efficiency. The motivation behind this innovation stems from the slowing of Moore’s Law and the increasing energy demands of current IT infrastructure, which as of 2024, consumes vast amounts of electricity with projections to double by 2030 due to AI and digital services growth. Biological computing offers a promising solution by mimicking the brain’s remarkable energy efficiency—where the human