DayOne Launches Singapore's First Biological Data Center Prototype

DayOne Data Centers Limited ("DayOne"), a global digital infrastructure platform based in Singapore, has unveiled Singapore's inaugural Biological Data Center Prototype in partnership with Cortical Labs and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore ("NUS Medicine"). This significant milestone promotes the evolution of biological computing, potentially serving as a more adaptable and energy-efficient alternative to standard silicon-based systems. The prototype was introduced with attendance from public sector officials, academic representatives, and members of the technology and digital infrastructure industries, who observed a live demonstration of Cortical Labs' CL1 biological computing system and toured the supporting NUS laboratory.

The initiative presents a practical, sustainability-focused option to traditional silicon infrastructure in Singapore, coinciding with the nation's and the wider region's efforts to enhance AI capabilities under stricter energy and environmental regulations. The deployment of a 20-unit CL1 biological computing system marks the world's first independently operated biologically integrated server rack, integrating Cortical Labs' technology into a live research setting at NUS Medicine, facilitated by DayOne's infrastructure. This project illustrates an alternative method to enhance AI capabilities while significantly reducing power consumption.

Biological computing utilizes living neurons derived from stem cells, connected to silicon hardware to process information. These neurons can receive electrical signals, respond, and adapt over time, allowing the system to perform specific computing tasks using a fraction of the energy required by digital computers. The project leverages NUS Medicine's neurobiology expertise, Cortical Labs' technological advancements, and DayOne's proficiency in developing and managing critical digital infrastructure. Key areas of exploration include neuro-inspired artificial intelligence, biomedical modeling, drug discovery, and research on neurological diseases.

"Our commitment to Singapore goes beyond capacity. We are here to help shape what the next generation of digital infrastructure looks like, and that means investing in approaches that meet Singapore's sustainability ambitions alongside its AI ambitions. This prototype is a step toward demonstrating that scaling compute and reducing resource intensity are goals we can pursue together," stated Jamie Khoo, Chief Executive Officer of DayOne. "Singapore has the research depth, infrastructure capability, and collaborative ecosystem to lead that exploration. We are proud to contribute to translating frontier scientific research into practical impact, with world-class partners, in one of the world's most sustainability-driven markets."

DayOne operates a digital infrastructure platform across nine markets in Asia Pacific and Europe, securing approximately 2.1 GW of bookings since its inception to support leading cloud and AI customers. "The establishment of this prototype shifts the conversation from research to commercial application," remarked Hon Weng Chong, Founder and CEO of Cortical Labs. "Biological computing supplements AI in areas where data is sparse, learning from far less and adapting as conditions change. Our aim is to uncover the use cases where that advantage matters most, in areas such as drug discovery, humanoid robotics, cybersecurity, and fraud detection. Ultimately, this is about offering a more sustainable path for the technologies humankind depends on. Singapore is the innovation hub for Asia's data center industry, and what we build here is the model we intend to replicate and scale globally."

"This partnership marks a genuine shift in how we think about computing and its broader scientific potential," said Professor Rickie Patani from NUS Medicine. "By growing living human neurons from stem cells and pairing them with rigorous engineering, we're not only building a more efficient alternative to silicon; we're creating a platform that can help us understand learning and adaptation at their biological source. That dual promise is what makes this collaboration sustainable and scientifically generative. It gives us a real route to accelerate drug discovery and neurological disease research, turning laboratory insight into real-world impact far faster than we could before."

The Biological Data Center Prototype aligns with Singapore's Green Data Center Roadmap, which aims for higher energy efficiency standards as the government expands its AI and cloud workload capacity. This prototype is part of DayOne's broader commitment to Singapore, which serves as the headquarters and strategic center for its global operations. The country's unique combination of research depth, regulatory maturity, and collaborative institutional culture creates an environment unmatched for responsible frontier computing development.

The initiative also includes DayOne's ongoing developments in Singapore, with its first local data center, SG1, achieving structural topping out in May 2026 and expected to be operational by early 2027. Additionally, DayOne is establishing its Global Operations Command Center in Singapore and continues to invest in clean and resilient infrastructure across its regional platform.

About DayOne Data Centers: DayOne Data Centers Limited ("DayOne") is a global digital infrastructure platform headquartered in Singapore, focused on developing and operating next-generation data centers across Asia Pacific and Europe. Trusted by leading global hyperscalers and enterprises, DayOne designs, builds, and operates high-capacity, AI-ready campuses with speed, scale, and reliability. Established in 2022, DayOne has data center campuses in operation or under development in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong SAR, Finland, and Spain. For more information, visit dayonedc.com.