26.9 million euros funding for CogniGron and HTRIC from Ubbo Emmius Fund

The Ubbo Emmius Fund (UEF) of the University of Groningen has awarded the Groningen Cognitive Systems and Materials Center (CogniGron) and the Health Technology Research and Innovation Cluster (HTRIC) a total of 26.9 million euros. This will allow them to continue their important work in neuromorphic computing and health technology over the next five years. 

The funding is made possible by a unique donation from an alumnus, which has enabled the Ubbo Emmius Fund to invest a total of 30.9 million euros in three pioneering initiatives. The third donation is for the RUG-wide PhD program M20.

CogniGron: research into up to 10,000 times energy-efficient computer chips

The research cluster CogniGron of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (RUG) receives a grant of 8.5 million euros. Within CogniGron, pioneering research is being done on new energy-efficient computer chips. Inspiration for these chips comes from the workings of the human brain. CogniGron already received a donation from the UEF before and was partly because of that able to become a leading research institute in the field of so-called neuromorphic computing.  By now, there are 29 professors and over 50 PhD students working together on the design of computer chips that are up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient. After the successful first phase of CogniGron, the next phase of CogniGron will entail collaborating with businesses on the application of this new technology. 

HTRIC: safer, more effective and personalized patient care

HTRIC receives €18.4 million for research into groundbreaking medical innovations, such as diagnostics for sepsis, light-activated cancer therapy, techniques to image infections and the development of soft, smart materials. HTRIC is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (RUG) and the UMCG, together with the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, NHL Stenden and the Life Cooperative. HTRIC plays a key role in the regional ambition to position the Northern Netherlands as a leading center for health technology. The collaboration between medical professionals, technological experts and companies makes HTRIC unique.

About the Ubbo Emmius Foundation

The Ubbo Emmius Foundation supports pioneering research and talent development at the University of Groningen. Thanks to contributions of supporting alumni and donors, the foundation is able to work hard for a better future by bringing science and society closer together. 

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