White paper highlights potential of brain-inspired computing: "Neuromorphic Computing in the Netherlands"

CogniGron and the University of Groningen have participated in the development of a new white paper, “Neuromorphic Computing in the Netherlands” that highlights significant domestic expertise in the field and advocates for the establishment of a national coalition to coordinate future efforts in alignment with other key technologies.

Addressing global challenges via brain-inspired technology

The global reliance on traditional IT is reaching unsustainable levels, amidst escalating energy costs, climate impact, and security concerns. Neuromorphic computing offers a solution by enabling fast, energy-efficient data processing, reducing dependence on external resources and expertise. This paradigm draws inspiration from the human brain, which achieves remarkable efficiency by co-locating data storage and processing, thereby minimising data transfer between different components. Neuromorphic computing seeks to replicate this feature in non-biological systems, offering significant advantages over traditional architectures.

Public and private organisations united

A newly released white paper, written by key stakeholders of the Dutch neuromorphic computing community, outlines the potential of this new technology, highlighting its importance in addition to other key technologies. The paper explores the current state of neuromorphic computing efforts and expertise in the Netherlands, revealing a vibrant ecosystem of strong academic institutions, industries, technology transfer organisations, national programs, and startups. All of these provide expertise across diverse aspects of neuromorphic computing, from the study of innovative materials to its application to specific use cases in scientific research and beyond.

A stepping stone for future synergy

The white paper advocates for a coordinated national effort, to ensure alignment with other technological areas such as semiconductor technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and photonics. It serves as a starting point to establish a national coalition ‘Neuromorphic Computing NL’, that will further develop a roadmap with all relevant stakeholders and in close collaboration with the Topsector ICT. The current vision on neuromorphic computing is shared by our colleagues in Switzerland, Germany, Spain and the UK, where efforts in this direction are also intensifying. The white paper also serves as a catalyst for a fact-finding mission on brain-inspired computing, organised by the Dutch Embassy in the UK and taking place on 24-27 March 2025, with the goal of enabling knowledge exchange and initiating collaborations on this topic. 

As a research centre specifically founded for developing materials, devices, systems and architectures for neuromorphic computing, at CogniGron we are thrilled to see this white paper come to life. Contact us if you want more information: cognigron rug.nl.

Download and read the English version of the white paper "Neuromorphic Computing in the Netherlands" or the Dutch version "Neuromorphic Computing in Nederland" to dive deeper into it.