Scientists are now creating computers powered by living brain cells — a groundbreaking step that could redefine how technology works. This new field, known as biocomputing or wetware, uses clusters of neurons called organoids to perform simple calculations and respond to stimuli.
Swiss startup FinalSpark is leading this revolution, building the world’s first living computer capable of learning and adapting like a human brain. By combining biology and computing, researchers hope to build processors that are millions of times more energy-efficient than silicon chips, paving the way for a new era of intelligent, sustainable technology.
World’s First Living Computer: How Brain Cells Are Powering the Future
Scientists are now using living human brain cells to power computers. This new idea, called biocomputing or wetware, could change how computers work forever. Instead of using only silicon chips, scientists are testing how real neurons can process information faster and more efficiently.
A Computer Made from Living Brain Cells
A Swiss company called FinalSpark, founded by Dr. Fred Jordan, is leading this research. The company grows tiny clusters of brain cells called organoids. These organoids are made from human skin cells that are turned into stem cells and then developed into brain cells.
Each organoid is about the size of a fruit fly’s brain and contains around 10,000 neurons. That’s a very small part of the 100 billion neurons in a human brain—but it’s enough for the cells to learn and react to signals.
Dr. Jordan says, “Instead of trying to copy the brain with machines, we’re using real brain cells.”
The organoids are kept alive in a nutrient-rich solution and connected to small electrodes. When scientists send electrical signals through these electrodes, the brain cells respond with activity spikes—similar to how computers use 1s and 0s to send information.
BBC science editor Zoe Kleinman described pressing a key that sent a signal to the organoid. On the screen, she saw a small jump of activity—proof that the living computer was responding.
How These Living Computers Learn
Scientists are also teaching these brain cells to learn through rewards. They use a chemical called dopamine, which is linked to motivation in the human brain. When the organoids respond correctly, they receive a tiny “reward,” helping them learn faster.
Dr. Jordan says that biological neurons use one million times less energy than artificial ones. That means biocomputing could help solve one of AI’s biggest problems—its high energy use.
However, there are still big challenges. The living computers can only survive for about four months, and once they die, they cannot be restarted. Professor Simon Schultz from Imperial College London explains, “Organoids don’t have blood vessels yet. That’s the hardest problem we need to solve.”
The Global Biocomputing Race
FinalSpark isn’t working alone. Ten universities around the world are now part of its research project. You can even watch the neurons live on their website.
Other researchers are also joining the race:
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In Australia, Cortical Labs taught brain cells to play the video game Pong.
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At Johns Hopkins University, scientists are using mini-brains to study diseases like Alzheimer’s and autism.
Even though biocomputers won’t replace traditional chips anytime soon, many experts believe they will work together with AI systems in the future.
Dr. Lena Smirnova from Johns Hopkins says, “Biocomputing shouldn’t replace AI—it should support it. It can also reduce animal testing and help us understand the human brain better.”
Ethics and the Future of Living Machines
Creating computers from living brain cells raises ethical questions. Are these organoids alive in a conscious way? FinalSpark works with ethicists to ensure their organoids cannot feel pain or emotions, as they don’t have the complex structures of a real brain.
For Dr. Jordan, this research feels like something out of science fiction.
“When I watched sci-fi movies, I always wished life was like that. Now I feel like I’m living in one,” he says.
The creation of the world’s first living computer marks a bold step toward the future of technology. As researchers continue to explore the power of brain cells in computing, we may soon witness machines that can think, learn, and adapt just like humans — but with far greater efficiency.
While this technology is still in its early stages, it opens exciting possibilities for artificial intelligence, medicine, and sustainable innovation. One thing is certain: the line between biology and technology is becoming thinner than ever, and the future of computing might not just be built — it could be alive.
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