This Startup Is Using Human Brain Cells to Build A.I. (The FinalSpark Project)

What if artificial intelligence didn’t run on silicon or wires, but on actual human brain cells?

That idea is no longer science fiction. A Swiss startup called FinalSpark is creating AI systems powered by lab-grown human neurons. In my latest video, I break it all down and talk directly with one of the lead scientists behind FinalSpark to get a real look at what they’re building. You can watch it here:

Here’s a deeper look at what FinalSpark is doing
and why it matters.

FinalSpark Lab

So what is FinalSpark actually doing?

FinalSpark is developing something called a bioprocessor, which is a processor made from living human neurons. These neurons are grown into small clusters called organoids, then connected to electrodes and a fluid system to keep them alive and active.

Once connected, the neurons are stimulated with electrical signals and begin responding to inputs. Over time, they can learn, adapt, and process information in ways similar to machine learning models. The difference is that this “hardware” is biological.

In vitro neuronal network grown on a multielectrode array (MEA). You can see the neurons cultured across the grid of electrodes, and below it is a trace of electrical activity; a clear representation of how the neurons respond to stimulation over time

Why this could be a game changer

The human brain is insanely efficient. It handles complex tasks using just about 20 watts of power. AI models today burn through way more electricity just to complete basic tasks.

FinalSpark says their bioprocessors could use up to a million times less energy than traditional systems. That level of efficiency isn’t just impressive — it could become essential as AI models grow in size and cost.

You can access it right now

FinalSpark created a remote research tool called the Neuroplatform. It gives researchers and universities 24/7 access to the bioprocessors.

You can log in, stimulate the neurons, track responses, and run experiments through a clean interface or even a Python API. Schools like the University of Michigan and TU Berlin are already using it. This isn’t a concept. It’s a live system being used in the field.

Neurosphere: a roughly spherical 3D cluster of neural cells

The hurdles

Right now, the organoids survive for about 100 days. That’s a solid step forward compared to earlier efforts, but it’s still a limitation when it comes to scaling or running long-term applications.

There are also ethical issues that come with using human brain cells. Researchers are beginning to question what happens if the organoids become too advanced or show signs of awareness. There’s also the matter of how the cells are sourced and what kind of regulation should exist around this type of technology.

Why I made this video

I wanted to move past the conspiracy theories around this type of technology and talk to someone who’s actually inside the project. That’s why I interviewed one of FinalSpark’s lead scientists. We talked about the real limitations, what they’ve already achieved, and where this could go next.

If you want to understand how this tech really works and hear it straight from the team behind it, you’ll want to check out my full video below!

Thanks for reading. If you’re into cutting-edge AI, experimental tech, or anything that blurs the line between science and science fiction check out my other articles on Science and Technology, as well as visit my YouTube, Eric’s Tech World!