The centre, led by Aston University and funded £5.6 million from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), will become the world-leading hub for research into energy-efficient brain-inspired technologies.
The new centre is more than just a research project. As we know, it’s the beginning of a transformative change in computing.
By mimicking the structural and functional design of the human brain, neuromorphic computing aims to tackle the escalating power demands of today’s AI systems and digital infrastructure.
Professor Rhine Paris, co-director and neurophysiologist at Aston University, explained:
“This project is an exciting leap, learning from biology and technology in ways that were previously impossible.”
What is neural computing?
Unlike traditional computing, which relies on binary logic and high energy consumption, neural morphology computing replicates the way neurons and synapses function in the human brain.
This allows for large-scale parallel data processing with dramatically reduced power usage. The human brain runs with approximately 20 watts of energy, but traditional AI hardware consumes thousands of times more and achieves much less adaptability.
The center integrates human stem cell-derived neurons with computational models to create a co-designed neural morphology system. This is hardware and algorithms developed in parallel with insights from living biology.
A key innovation is the use of photonic hardware that uses light instead of electricity to process data, enabling ultra-fast speeds and unprecedented energy efficiency.
World-class institutions nationwide collaboration
The ambitious initiative is led by the Aston Photonic Technologies Institute (AIPT) and includes collaborations from top UK universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Southampton, Queen Mary University in London, Loughborough and Strathride.
Together, they bring unparalleled expertise across neuroscience, unconventional algorithms, photonics, materials science, and nanoelectronics.
The center’s research team includes leading scientists in stem cell biology, computational modeling and photonic hardware, working together to develop new computing paradigms that closely emulate low-energy, highly efficient performance in the brain.
Industry powers join forces
In addition to its academic background, the center is supported by a robust network of industrial partners, including Microsoft Research, Nokia Bell Labs, BT, Hewlett Packard Labs, Thales, Qinetiq, Leonardo and Northrop Grumman.
These companies form the center’s roadmap and help their innovations secure a direct path to real applications.
From defense and telecommunications to healthcare and AI, the potential use cases for neural computing systems are enormous.
The purpose of this collaboration is to not only demonstrate technical breakthroughs, but also to promote social and economic impacts by accelerating the adoption of sustainable computing technologies.
A sustainable and scalable vision for a future
The Center’s mission goes beyond research and development. It seeks to develop future talent, fake global partnerships, and create a long-term, interdisciplinary ecosystem that positions the UK as a global leader in neuronal computing.
With training initiatives, international collaboration and industry-led innovation, the centre aims to maintain momentum well beyond its first four years of funding period.
As global demand for data and AI continues to skyrocket, traditional computing energy casualties become increasingly unsustainable.
Neural computing represents a gradual improvement and fundamental shift towards a new computing paradigm that is more efficient, adaptable and tailored to the planet’s needs.
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