From Petri Dish to Processor
Exploring the Future of Computing
How can living neurons, cultured outside the human body, revolutionize our understanding of the brain and perhaps even form the foundation of future computing? Through advances in tissue engineering at the University of Tokyo and microelectrode array (MEA) technologies developed by MaxWell Biosystems, researchers can now grow and build neuronal networks, and record and manipulate their activity at high resolution. These living neural networks enable unprecedented insights into brain function, disease modeling, and drug discovery and open new pathways towards biological computing platforms.
Timetable
15.30 Opening
15.35 Introduction Presentation
16.05 Panel Discussion 1: Visions in Neuroscience and Computing
16.45 Panel Discussion 2: Interdisciplinary Swiss-Japan Collaborations
17.25 Closing
17.30 Tour of Swiss Pavilion
Event Details
Panel 1: Visions in Neuroscience and Computing
Experts in the field will discuss how lab-grown neuronal networks can deepen our understanding of brain activity, bridge biology and electronics, and ultimately lead to breakthroughs in disease treatment and biological computing.
Panel 2: Interdisciplinary Swiss–Japan Collaborations
Collaborative projects between Switzerland and Japan that unite expertise in engineering, biology, and data science, highlight how international partnerships can drive advances in this exciting new area.
Join us to learn how these tiny networks of neurons could shape the future of medicine and computing.
Speakers:
• Prof. Yoshiho Ikeuchi, Professor of IIS - University of Tokyo
• Dr. Tomoya Duenki, Project Researcher of IIS - University of Tokyo
• Dr. Urs Frey, CEO of MaxWell Biosystems
• Dr. Marie Obien, CCO of MaxWell Biosystems
• Dr. Heike Riel, Department Head Science & Technology of IBM Research
• Dr. Aurelio Cortese, Group Leader of ATR Institute International
• Dr. Jan Lichtenberg, CEO of InSphero
• Prof. Kaori Sugihara, Associate professor of IIS - University of Tokyo
• Kyoko Marumo Suzuki, Science and Technology Office, Embassy of Switzerland in Tokyo
