Story perspectives

Cortical Labs Launches First Biological Computer for Research

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cortical Labs, an Australian company, has introduced the CL1, the first commercially sold biological computer for biomedical research.
The CL1 uses lab-grown human neurons to process information for drug development and understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
It draws 850 to 1,000 watts, far less than traditional GPUs.
The CL1 costs $35,000 and enables studies without animal testing.
Starting July 2025, it will support remote neuron manipulation via the Cortical Cloud.

1 of 1

Story summary

Cortical Labs, an Australian company, has introduced the CL1, the first commercially sold biological computer for biomedical research.
The CL1 uses lab-grown human neurons to process information for drug development and understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
It draws 850 to 1,000 watts, far less than traditional GPUs.
The CL1 costs $35,000 and enables studies without animal testing.
Starting July 2025, it will support remote neuron manipulation via the Cortical Cloud.