Jakarta, INTI - Singapore is developing brain cell-powered data centers to process information and power AI systems. This innovation is expected to reduce energy consumption for AI computing.
The Edge reported that DayOne, a global data centre developer and operator based in Singapore, is developing a biological data center that uses "wetware" components instead of "hardware". DayOne is partnering with Australian biological computing startup, Cortical Labs.
Traditionally, data centers use silicon chips that require large power supplies. For this innovation, instead of silicon, wetware is used, which consists of neurons grown from stem cells that form a network similar to the brain.
Prototype is Being Built at the National University of Singapore
Wetware prototype will be developed at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS), with DayOne providing capital and strategic input to support Cortical Labs.
The prototype at NUS will have one server rack containing 20 Cortical Cloud units, which will be used to test the performance and efficiency of the wetware-based computer system.
The servers will follow validation testing at the university before being transitioned into a live deployment environment at DayOne’s commercial facility. Commercial tests will ensure the system can operate under real-world conditions.
If the prototype meets standards, DayOne plans to build 1,000 wetware-based units in Singapore. Stem cells will be developed into neural systems at the NUS Life Sciences Institute.
Rickie Patani, a professor and director of the neurobiology program at the NUS Life Sciences Institute, said that wetware systems can help researchers explore new approaches of learning, adaptation, and biological models.
“Our expertise in neurobiology research, particularly in understanding how to generate specific subtypes of clinically relevant human neurons and glia from stem cells, provides a strong foundation for translating these biological principles into biocomputing platforms,” said Patani.
Conclusion
The development of a wetware-based data center in Singapore demonstrates efforts to utilize neurons, grown from stem cells, as an alternative to silicon chips to process AI computing with lower energy consumption. The collaboration project between DayOne, Cortical Labs, and the National University of Singapore will build a prototype server before potentially scaling up to 1,000 units if it meets standards.
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