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Humain Org with Susan Caesar
How do we design the systems that will carry us into a flourishing future?
Welcome to Humain Org, a space for leaders, systems thinkers, and innovators exploring how to harness technology in service of all life. Hosted by Susan Caesar, Director of AI at the International Coaching Federation, and founder of non-profit humain.org, this podcast is a journey into the heart of how we build the infrastructure of tomorrow.
At Humain Org, we believe that technology should be the fabric that supports our communities, organizations, and governments, elevating human agency and protecting the natural world. We move beyond the hype to listen to real-life stories and ethical insights that help us navigate the challenges of our time with wisdom and integrity.
Join us as we explore how to partner with artificial intelligence to create a world where humanity, technology, and nature thrive together.
What to expect:
Systemic Insights: How to build ethical AI frameworks that augment rather than replace human wisdom.
Life-Centered Innovation: Conversations on harnessing technology for the benefit of the living world.
Collective Movement: Stories from practitioners and experts who are shaping a future where potential flourishes at scale.
Connect with us: Website: humain.org LinkedIn & Facebook: @humainorg
#AI #Ethics #Future
Humain Org with Susan Caesar
The Dawn of Bio-Computing: Harnessing the Power of Living Neurons
An Interview with Dr. Ewelina Kurtys of Final Spark
Step into the future of computation with Dr. Ewelina Kurtys, a neuroscientist and AI expert leading the charge in bio-computing at the Swiss startup Final Spark.
The exponential energy demands of current AI models pose a major climate challenge. The solution? Living neurons. Dr. Kurtys explains why this is the only way forward: neurons are an incredible one million times more energy efficient than digital hardware.
In this fascinating discussion, Dr. Kurtys pulls back the curtain on how Final Spark is manufacturing these new types of computers:
- From Skin to Brain: She details the process of turning commercially available human skin cells into living human neurons.
- The Neuro-Platform: Learn how these 10,000-neuron 3D structures, or neurospheres, are placed on electrodes to send and receive signals, beginning the biocomputer experiment.
- The Grand Vision: The company's ultimate goal is to build a massive bio-server, a cloud-accessible computer that could run complex AI models like large language models (LLMs).
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Ethics
Dr. Kurtys discusses the enormous 10-year project timeline, which requires a $50 million investment to accelerate research and development. But the potential reward is immense: a technology that could be 10 times cheaper to run than a digital equivalent, a huge market advantage driven by energy efficiency.
The biggest hurdle isn't engineering, but neuroscience: nobody knows how to program neurons. The team's immediate three-year focus is on solving this problem of "learning in vitro", teaching neurons to perform simple tasks.
Finally, Dr. Kurtys addresses the most common ethical question: consciousness. While currently a non-issue, she discusses why Final Spark is actively engaging philosophers to prepare for a future when bio-computers may become truly intelligent.
Listen in to discover the revolutionary work being done to create an AI infrastructure that is cheaper, greener, and built on the very stuff of life.
Curious to see it in action? Dr. Kurtys encourages listeners to check out the Final Spark website to see the "butterfly demo," a live, simple demonstration controlled by living neurons. https://butterfly.finalspark.com/