A new white paper, “Neuromorphic Computing in the Netherlands", coordinated by Radboud University, 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. CWI's Sander Bohté, Group Leader of the Machine Learning research group and professor University of Amsterdam contributed to outline the future perspective on neuromorphic algorithms and applications.
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 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.
