Swiss Scientists Race to Create ‘Biocomputers’ from Living Cells

Swiss Scientists Race to Create ‘Biocomputers’ from Living Cells
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Swiss scientists are pioneering the creation of “biocomputers” using living cells, an endeavor that could lead to data centers replicating artificial intelligence while consuming significantly less energy, according to a BBC report cited by Anadolu Agency.

The effort is paving the way for a new computing component known as “wetware.” Researchers at the FinalSpark laboratory are culturing human skin cells into stem cells, which are then developed into tiny, lab-grown, brain-like spheres called “organoids.” These organoids, sharing the brain’s fundamental building blocks, are connected to electrodes and trained to respond to simple commands, verifying their capacity to process information.

The primary goal is to use this system for AI tasks, but the biggest challenge is the survival problem. As the biocomputers lack the blood vessels to nourish themselves, researchers are struggling to keep them alive; FinalSpark has managed to sustain the organoids for up to four months.

Other similar efforts are underway, including an Australian company that created artificial neurons capable of playing a computer game. Experts stress that this technology is in its early stages and should serve to complement, not replace, traditional silicon AI, while also advancing disease modeling for conditions like Alzheimer’s.