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:
• Aurelio Cortese, Group Leader, ATR Institute International
• Tomoya Duenki, Project Researcher, The University of Tokyo
• Urs Frey, CEO, MaxWell Biosystems
• Yoshiho Ikeuchi, Professor, The University of Tokyo
• Jan Lichtenberg, CEO, InSphero
• Marie Obien, CCO, MaxWell Biosystems
• Heike Riel, Department Head Science & Technology, IBM Research
• Kaori Sugihara, Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo
• Kyoko Marumo Suzuki, Head of Science and Technology Office, Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
Support: The Foundation for the Promotion of Industrial Science
