DayOne Data Centres Limited has launched Singapore’s first Biological Data Centre Prototype in partnership with Cortical Labs and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine). This pioneering initiative aims to advance biological computing as a more adaptive and energy-efficient alternative to traditional silicon-based systems. The launch event featured a live demonstration of Cortical Labs’ CL1 biological computing system, showcasing its potential to scale AI capacity with reduced power consumption.
The prototype leverages living neurons grown from stem cells, integrated with silicon hardware, to process information. This innovative approach allows the system to perform computing tasks using significantly less energy than conventional digital computers. The collaboration draws on NUS Medicine’s neurobiology expertise, Cortical Labs’ technology, and DayOne’s digital infrastructure capabilities. Areas of exploration include neuro-inspired AI, biomedical modelling, drug discovery, and neurological disease research.
Jamie Khoo, CEO of DayOne, emphasised the project’s alignment with Singapore’s sustainability and AI ambitions, stating, “This prototype is a step toward demonstrating that scaling compute and reducing resource intensity are goals we can pursue together.” Hon Weng Chong, CEO of Cortical Labs, highlighted the potential for biological computing to supplement AI in areas such as drug discovery and cybersecurity.
The initiative supports Singapore’s Green Data Centre Roadmap, which aims to enhance energy efficiency as AI and cloud workloads expand. DayOne’s commitment to Singapore includes the development of its first local data centre, SG1, and a Global Operations Command Centre, both set to bolster the country’s position as a leader in sustainable computing.
