🧠 OI — a New Era of Artificial Intelligence?

Scientists are developing a model called Organoid Intelligence (OI) as an alternative to silicon chip-based AI.

💡 Biocomputer

Swiss startup FinalSpark is building the world's first biocomputer based on a lab-grown "mini-brain" with neurons from stem cells derived from human skin cells.

Organoids are lab-grown three-dimensional structures of neurons. They can be integrated into AI systems, taking them to a level comparable to the human brain performance but consuming many times less energy.

The processing of information by the brain is incredibly complex, and today's digital computers are just not up to the job. So we thought, since the hardware isn’t enough, let’s change it with living neurons or wetware.

Fred Jordan, co-founder of FinalSpark

👀 How it works

Each 0.5mm-wide organoid is connected to eight electrodes that stimulate the neurons and link the organoids to computer networks. The neurons are exposed to the neurotransmitter dopamine to mimic the human brain’s natural reward system. This is how new neural connections form, similar to the way a living human brain learns.

The lab is currently growing about 3,000 organoids. The process is broadcast live around the clock. Anyone can also remotely connect to the neuro platform and conduct their own research and experiments.

The use

✅ Organoid intelligence consumes thousands of times less energy than today's digital processors.

✅ Organoids will be able to handle complex logical and strategic tasks.

✅ Biocomputers can learn quickly, generating ideas, including those beyond their experience.

Challenges

❌ Organoids still lag behind traditional silicon chips in terms of data processing speed and accuracy.

❌ The lifespan of a lab brain is only 100 days for now.

❌ Growing neurons raises ethical issues. For example, scientists have not yet agreed on whether the lab mini-brain could eventually gain consciousness.

More on the topic:

Creating the first "living computer" — an interview with the founder of FinalSpark

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