The Netherlands has everything it takes to play a leading role in Neuromorphic Computing, provided efforts are coordinated nationally. Our country has an exceptionally strong starting position: we have a solid academic foundation, leading expertise in semiconductors, AI and materials research, and we have a growing number of international frontrunners and start-ups such as Axelera AI, Innatera, Hoursec and IMChip. This is why Digital Holland (formerly Topsector ICT), together with key partners from industry, knowledge institutions and government bodies, is launching Neuromorphic Computing NL (NC-NL for short). This is a new coalition to realise this joining of forces.
'The launch of NC-NL is a new milestone for neuromorphic computing in the Netherlands. Structural collaboration gives us a unique position in the global digital landscape,' says Johan Mentink, figurehead of Neuromorphic Computing NL and researcher at Radboud University.
Why Neuromorphic Computing is needed now
The rapid growth of AI applications, data centres and automated systems is leading to an explosive increase in energy consumption worldwide. Traditional computer architectures are increasingly reaching their limits. Neuromorphic Computing, inspired by the workings of the human brain, offers a fundamental alternative: extremely fast data processing with energy consumption that can be 10 to potentially even 1,000 times lower than current generation systems.
This technology enables new applications, such as intelligent 'edge' systems. These are smart devices that process data locally and can respond immediately, without relying on central data centres. Think, for example, of smart sensors, medical devices, autonomous vehicles and automated industrial environments. This makes an important contribution to reducing the energy consumption of digital infrastructure. Data centres in particular are energy guzzlers, especially due to the increase in AI applications. In 2024, data centres in the Netherlands used approximately 5,100 GWh of electricity, equivalent to approximately 4.6% of total Dutch electricity consumption. This is comparable to the annual consumption of nearly 2 million households.
'Neuromorphic Computing is many times more energy-efficient and sustainable. Additionally, this key technology enhances privacy, as sensitive data does not need to be sent to external servers,' says Frits Grotenhuis, Director of Digital Holland. He is convinced that Neuromorphic Technologies will bring about a new revolution in the digital world. 'The potential applications of Neuromorphic technologies are enormous – from precision agriculture and smart energy grids to sustainable healthcare and beyond.'
What does this mean for the Netherlands?
For the Netherlands, further expanding our leading position in Neuromorphic Computing means more than technological progress alone. It strengthens:
- Digital sovereignty: We become less dependent on non-European (chip) technologies.
- Economic competitiveness: It creates new business activity, high-quality jobs and export opportunities.
- Sustainability: Significant reduction in energy consumption in AI and data processing.
- Privacy/security: Limiting the transfer of privacy-sensitive information ensures better protection of personal data.
- Innovation capacity: Acceleration of applications in sectors such as logistics, finance, energy, telecommunications, semiconductors and scientific research.
Three Strategic Action Lines
The Action Plan for Neuromorphic Computing (in Dutch) is built around three interconnected action lines:
Ecosystem development
NC-NL brings together companies, knowledge institutions and government in one national coalition. Jointly, work is being done on a technological roadmap, programmatic collaboration and attracting public and private investment, both nationally and internationally.
Market-driven application lab
To accelerate the step from technology to market, an application lab is needed where companies and knowledge institutions can test and validate neuromorphic technology. With access to hardware, benchmarks, tools and expertise, experimentation becomes accessible and focused on concrete competitive advantages and societal impact.
Development and testing facility for new technologies
A shared prototyping infrastructure makes it possible to translate scientific breakthroughs into new devices, circuits and hardware architectures. Hybrid systems combining neuromorphic computing with photonics and quantum technology will also find a place here.
Required Investment
With NC-NL, a national ecosystem is being built that structurally connects and strengthens research, development and market application. According to those involved, an additional investment of at least 50 million euros over the next five years is required for the implementation of the Action Plan, on top of existing investments. This will enable the Netherlands to capitalise on its international lead and contribute to the 'future of compute'.
More Information
- Further information about the coalition and opportunities to join the ecosystem can be found at www.nc-nl.nl. The full action plan, a white paper and a roadmap for Neuromorphic Computing are also available for download there.
- Learn more about Radboud University's research in the field of Neuromorphic Computing
