National coalition for neuromorphic computing launched

Neuromorphic systems – modelled on the efficiency of the human brain – enable ultra-fast, low-power data processing, unlock new possibilities for edge intelligence, and help address pressing challenges in energy use, digital sovereignty and industrial transformation.

A strong foundation

The Netherlands is exceptionally well positioned in this emerging field and has a strong academic foundation. Furthermore, our country has pioneering start-ups as well as deep expertise in semiconductors, AI and materials research.

The Netherlands is well-placed to take a leading international role. To seize this opportunity, the national coalition Neuromorphic Computing NL (NC-NL) has been launched. The coalition brings together businesses, knowledge institutions, and government to develop a technical roadmap, set up collaborations, and attract public and private investments, both nationally and internationally.

Breaking the trend

The growth of data centres and AI applications is driving an explosive increase in global energy consumption. Neuromorphic computing has the potential to break this trend, offering an energy reduction of between a factor of 10 and 1,000. In addition, the technology strengthens European digital sovereignty and industrial transformation by reducing Europe’s dependence on non-European chip technologies.

3 strategic action lines

The national action plan for neuromorphic computing put together by the partners of Neuromorphic Computing NL consists of 3 strategic action lines: 

1. Ecosystem development
   To build a strong national foundation, Neuromorphic Computing NL (NC NL) is laying the groundwork for a robust ecosystem for neuromorphic computing in the Netherlands. This alliance brings together organisations from industry, knowledge institutions and government to shape a shared technological roadmap, attract public and private investment, and coordinate national and international collaboration. 
    
2. Market-driven application lab
   To accelerate commercial adoption, a dedicated application lab will support industry in testing and validating neuromorphic technologies. The lab will provide hands-on access to hardware, benchmarking tools, expert guidance, developer toolsets and demonstrators. By lowering barriers to experimentation, the Netherlands can rapidly discover where neuromorphic computing offers clear competitive advantage across sectors such as logistics, energy, semiconductors, telecom, and scientific computing. 
    
3. Prototyping facility for emerging technologies
   To translate scientific breakthroughs into next-generation hardware, the action plan calls for a shared prototyping infrastructure. This facility will allow researchers and companies to develop new materials, devices, circuits and architectures in a production-like environment. It also offers a platform to explore hybrid systems combining neuromorphic, photonic and quantum technologies. This is an essential step towards the ‘future of compute’. 

This action plan serves as a flagship programme to stimulate investment from both public and private parties and is supported by its ecosystem. In total, an additional investment volume of approximately € 50 million over five 5 years is proposed, on top of current investments in neuromorphic computing in the Netherlands.

Prominent role of SURF

In relation to the ecosystem development, SURF is part of the core team of Neuromorphic Computing NL supporting the action plan and driving the setup of the coalition and its associated activities and governance. SURF also contributed to the neuromorphic computing white paper and was consulted for drafting the roadmap. Furthermore, SURF together with other partners like TNO and NleSC will shape the Market-Driven Application Lab. The first step is to establish the coalition or alliance and harness the collective power to drive technology experimentation and testing. SURFs Experimental Technologies Platform will play an enabling role in this. 

Strong links with other key technologies

Neuromorphic computing is one of the 7 digital key technologies identified by Digital Holland. It is closely connected to no fewer than 5 of the 10 priority key technologies of the Dutch National Technology Strategy. In addition to AI/Data and Cybersecurity Technologies, the digital key technologies within the Digital Holland portfolio include Semiconductor Technologies, Quantum Technologies and Optical Systems and Integrated Photonics (key technologies of Holland High Tech).