Cortical Labs Secures $10M to Revolutionise AI with Biological Neurons
Cortical Labs, an AI startup based in Australia and Singapore, has successfully raised $10 million in funding to advance the commercialisation of its innovative technology. The funding round was led by Horizons Ventures, with participation from Blackbird Ventures, LifeX Ventures, Radar Ventures, and In-Q-Tel.
At the forefront of synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, Cortical Labs has developed a revolutionary Biological Intelligence Operating System (biOS) that leverages human neurons for cognitive computing. Unlike traditional digital AI models that seek to emulate the human brain, Cortical Labs takes a unique approach by utilising clusters of lab-grown human neurons in what they call a "DishBrain."
The DishBrain, integrated with Cortical Labs' biOS, taps into the self-programming and flexible nature of human neurons, which have evolved over billions of years. This approach has the potential to surpass digital AI models in achieving generalised intelligence due to the neurons' adaptability and growth capabilities. Furthermore, the DishBrain consumes significantly less energy compared to silicon-based AI systems, making it both efficient and powerful.
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Hon Weng Chong, the CEO and founder of Cortical Labs, expressed excitement about the limitless possibilities that arise from combining AI and synthetic biology. This hybridised model of AI is expected to drive the next frontier of artificial intelligence technology and reshape various industries.
With the recent funding injection, Cortical Labs intends to accelerate its research and development efforts and bring the DishBrain to market within the current year. The groundbreaking technology developed by the company offers high computing throughput while requiring lower energy consumption, making it particularly suitable for personalised medicine and disease detection applications.
Cortical Labs' patented biOS, along with its CL1 platform, will facilitate innovative in-vitro cognitive testing for the life sciences industry. Additionally, the CL1 platform will serve as the premier development and experimentation tool for researchers in fields such as artificial intelligence and engineering, extending its applications beyond the biological realm.
To further its research and commercialisation efforts, Cortical Labs has formed partnerships with Cambridge biotech company bit.bio and academic partners from the Organoid Intelligence alliance, led by Johns Hopkins University. These collaborations will enable the company to harness the expertise of leading scientists and institutions, driving advancements in the field of synthetic biology and cognitive computing.
The successful funding round signifies a significant milestone for Cortical Labs, paving the way for the commercialisation of its biOS and the introduction of the DishBrain to the market. As the company continues to push the boundaries of AI and synthetic biology, its innovative technology holds the potential to revolutionise various industries and unlock new possibilities for artificial intelligence applications.
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