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/

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Despite billions invested in generative AI, MIT’s State of AI in Business 2025 reveals a startling truth: 95% of organizations see zero return. 

The problem isn’t the technology, it’s leadership. In this episode of humainorg, Susan Caesar unpacks the “GenAI Divide” and shows how Humain Leadership™, leadership grounded in listening, clarity, and trust, is the missing ingredient for AI adoption that truly works.

You’ll hear:

• Why 95% of AI pilots stall, and how shadow AI is changing the workplace.
• Case studies of leaders who get it right (Johnson & Johnson, VWV Law Firm, Colgate-Palmolive).
• Practical steps to practice Humain Leadership™ and guide AI adoption ethically, safely, and human-centered.

AI’s future isn’t about mastering the tools. It’s about mastering ourselves.

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In this solo episode of Humain Org, Susan Caesar, Director of Artificial Intelligence at ICF, reflects on her recent presentation to the ICF Black and Indigenous People of Color Member Resource Group, led by Kaumudi Goda, with the support of Dr. Aikyna Finch, ICF VP DEIB.

Through personal storytelling and professional insight, Susan explores:

• How our identities shape the way we design and use AI
• The choice we face in coaching: replicate bias or reimagine equity
• The role of trust, integrity, and benevolence in AI coaching
• Paradigmatic shifts and the Hierarchical Complexity Model for measuring human + AI performance
• Invitation to adopt Dr Matt Barney's AI Hippocratic Oath to safeguard dignity, confidentiality, and inclusion

Susan closes with three powerful questions for the coaching and AI community:

1. Do our AI Standards and Code of Ethics fully reflect our DEIB commitments?
2. How can we influence AI providers to design for difference, including neurodiversity?
3. How do we reckon with AI’s climate impact as part of our responsibility to the planet?

Join Susan in reimagining AI through many lenses — and discover how diversity is not just an ethical imperative, but our most powerful design tool.

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Navigating the AI revolution? This episode is for you. 

Join host Susan Caesar and fellow human-centric AI executive Nan Li as they explore how AI is fundamentally changing our world. 

Nan, a thought leader with two decades of experience, goes beyond the tech to discuss the four pillars of effective AI transformation, the critical ethical questions we must ask, and the four new "personas" that will define the jobs of the future. 

Discover how AI can unleash human creativity, why it's a mirror of our values, and how we can ensure this technology benefits all of humanity. Tune in for a compelling conversation that connects AI with the human heart.

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A dynamic and thought-provoking conversation with AI and innovation expert Ray Waite, founder of Lighthouse Force. 

Join us as we explore the evolution of AI from its early days at IBM Watson to its current transformative impact on businesses of all sizes. Ray discusses the shift from "tanker" corporations to "speedboat" startups in adapting to rapid change, the critical role of human-centered design, and the emerging concept of "super agency" in an AI-augmented world. 

Discover how AI is becoming an equalizer for individuals and small businesses, the importance of human oversight and collaboration, and the ethical considerations shaping the future of this rapidly evolving technology.

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Step into the future of work with this special episode of HumainOrg, directly from the ICF Future Workforce Summit in Berlin! Join us as we unpack key insights from thought leaders on navigating rapid change, harnessing AI responsibly, and redefining human-centric leadership. 

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The "Do Good Deeds" Framework: Tim Harrison's practical process for continuous innovation and why coaches must embrace AI now to gain a competitive advantage. 
• Leadership in Flux: How global organizations like ALDI DX build robust leadership frameworks to navigate constant disruption and agile transformations. 
• The Brain on Change: Kelly Algier's compelling insights into how constant change impacts the human brain and the neuro-biological power of coaching to foster resilience and well-being. 
• The Face of Modern Leadership: A dynamic panel discussion challenging traditional leadership models, emphasizing self-awareness, humility, and the critical role of AI in empowering leaders for deeper, ethical work. 
• Building Credible AI in Coaching: CoachHub's evidence-based approach to developing "Amy," their AI coach, and the ongoing debate about AI's values and responsible adoption. 
• Beyond Good Intentions: Sohrab Salimi's powerful argument for a "trilogy of change" when it comes to driving personal and organizational change, especially with AI adoption.

If you're a leader, coach, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of work and human potential, this episode offers a rich tapestry of perspectives and actionable takeaways. Tune in to understand how clarity of intention, robust mechanisms, unwavering discipline, and profound belief in human potential are shaping the future. 

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Join us on HumainOrg E29 as we kick off a two-part special from the ICF Future Workforce Summit in Berlin! In this captivating episode, we dive into Day 1, exploring the evolving landscape of work, technology, and human development. 

Hear from thought leaders like Jonathan Reitz, who challenges us to consider the "Philosopher in the Loop" , and discover how coaches can serve as "working philosophers" in an AI-driven world. We'll explore Bayer's massive organizational transformation with Dynamic Shared Ownership , and showcase ten innovative startups poised to revolutionize the coaching industry. Plus, get inspired by European reserve astronaut Dr. Amelie Schoenenwald's powerful lessons on resilience and purpose. 

This episode is packed with insights on harnessing AI, redefining human-centric leadership, and preparing organizations for the future of work. Tune in to discover how to "be human, but check the tech" and embrace continuous growth in an ever-changing world.

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Join us as we dive deep into the world of AI with Julian Warszawski, Principal Engineer at Shopify and former Engineering Lead at Airbnb. Julian shares his unique insights on the critical role of human understanding and critical thinking in the age of artificial intelligence. We explore the potential for bias in algorithms and the importance of defining "fairness" within specific domains, challenging the notion of a one-size-fits-all ethical framework.

Discover Julian's fascinating vision of "self-driving businesses" and how AI can democratize commerce, allowing individuals to focus on their entrepreneurial spirit rather than administrative burdens. We also tackle the intriguing concept of human communication with AI, pondering the evolution of "AI dialects" and the dangers of anthropomorphizing algorithms. If you're curious about the practical application of AI, its societal impact, and the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines, this episode is a must-listen!

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Simon Lamb, founder and CEO of Purposeful Change and co-founder of Meaning. 

With over two decades of experience, Simon is an expert in organizational development and change, deeply passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations not just survive, but truly thrive through periods of change. In this episode, we'll explore his insights on culture change and change management, and how he nurtures a passion for human centricity and the power of emotions. 

Discover how Simon, described as a man of creativity, impact, and care , blends business, the arts, and learning to help people realize their potential and make a difference. 

Prior to his current ventures, Simon has worked with some of the world's most valuable brands, such as Microsoft, EY, and HSBC, to support them in igniting their purpose, bringing to life a growth mindset, and building customer-centricity and competitive capability. 

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Join host Susan in a captivating conversation with Dr. Janet Pauketat, a social psychologist and researcher at the Sentience Institute, as they explore the evolving landscape of AI and moral consideration. 

Dr. Pauketat delves into how our perception of "humanness" and "mind" influences our willingness to extend moral concern to artificial intelligence, highlighting the significant role of perceived warmth, emotion, and morality in AI. She explains why the rapid advancement of AI, particularly with public-facing tools like ChatGPT, makes these ethical discussions critically relevant now, urging us to consider a future where digital minds may warrant moral standing. 

The discussion further examines the factors that influence our capacity for "moral circle expansion"—the broadening of our moral boundaries to include AI. Dr. Pauketat discusses social factors like human-AI relationships and narratives of threat, as well as human factors such as prejudices against non-carbon entities and the influence of science fiction. She also touches on AI's own features, like pro-social design, and how its actions can impact our moral perceptions. 

Dr. Pauketat stresses the urgency of grappling with these complex ethical questions now, even before truly sentient AI becomes a widespread reality. She emphasizes valuing all sentient beings, avoiding future atrocities, allowing ample time for research into this novel ontological category, and ensuring AI safety by fostering inclusive social norms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the profound ethical implications of AI and humanity's shared future. 

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