Swiss technology company FinalSpark recently launched a program that allows scientists to rent cloud access to “biocomputers” made from human brain cells for just $500 a month.

The purpose of these biocomputers, according to FinalSpark, is to develop a highly efficient, energy-saving solution to the skyrocketing costs associated with developing artificial intelligence models. The company says that using computers made from organic material to train artificial intelligence could be up to 100,000 times more efficient than traditional silicon-based technology.

According to FinalSpark founder Fred Jordan, Neurospark is the only company that offers access to computers made from clumps of human brain cells (called organoids), and their technology can be viewed live online.

Training brain cells

Traditional methods of training AI models often involve a technique called reinforcement learning, in which an AI model is rewarded for completing a task. Typically, this so-called reward is simply a numerical value that serves to calibrate how close the behavior came to the intended outcome.

However, to provide positive and negative reinforcement when training AI models made up of the neurons in organoids, scientists must use techniques that act on brain cells, delivering dopamine—a molecule associated with reward—to neurons as positive reinforcement and an electrical signal as negative reinforcement.

Temporary accommodation AI

FinalSpark says its organoids can “live” for up to 100 days. In theory, this means an AI system could be trained and operated for a few months before it would either have to be moved to another cluster or be lost forever.

In the longer term, it may be possible to create AI systems with a lifespan similar to ours, thus bringing the experience of artificial intelligence into line with that of humanity.

It is also hypothetically possible that one day we could build blockchains that run on computers made of organic material.

Related: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong: AI “should have crypto wallets”