Neuromorphic computing – computers inspired by the workings of the human brain – offers a revolutionary solution to the growing energy and computing demands of artificial intelligence. Where traditional systems require ever more energy and hardware, neuromorphic computing makes it possible to compute faster, smarter and with a fraction of the energy consumption.
"Everyone wants better and smarter computers that can do more with much less energy. By working together, we can achieve this here in the Netherlands, strengthen our economy and improve our society," says Johan Mentink, spokesperson of the Netherlands' neuromorphic computing ecosystem.
Three Concrete Steps
The action plan describes how the Netherlands can leverage its leading knowledge position and realise economic and societal value in three concrete steps:
- Ecosystem Development
A new alliance – called NC NL (Neuromorphic Computing NL) – will further develop the roadmap and investment agenda;
- Market-driven Application Lab
A national test and demonstration centre must be established where neuromorphic hardware and software will be made accessible to companies in sectors such as energy, telecom, defence, medical technology and semiconductors;
- Prototyping Facility for New Technologies
The aim is to create shared facilities where universities and companies can jointly develop and test new materials, architectures and chips. This will bridge the gap from lab to factory.
Strategic Importance for the Netherlands and Europe
The growth of data centres and AI applications is causing an explosive rise in energy consumption worldwide. Neuromorphic computing can break this trend – with a potential energy reduction by a factor of 10 to 1,000. Additionally, the technology contributes to European digital sovereignty and industrial transformation, as it makes Europe less dependent on non-European chip technologies.
Strong Foundation
The Netherlands already has an impressive ecosystem with innovative startups such as Axelera AI, Innatera, and Hoursec, and knowledge institutions including TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, University of Twente, University of Groningen, Radboud University, CWI, TNO, SURF and imec Netherlands. Together with Topsector ICT, they are working on new applications, materials and chip architectures to bring neuromorphic computing to market.
The action plan is supported by these partners and serves as a flagship programme to stimulate investments from both public and private sectors. In total, an additional investment volume of approximately €50 million over five years is envisaged, on top of current investments in neuromorphic computing in the Netherlands.
Numerous Links with Other Key Technologies
Neuromorphic technologies – also referred to as neuromorphic computing – is one of the seven digital key technologies of the Topsector ICT. This promising technology forms an important link in the further sustainability and development of AI. The technology has links with no fewer than 5 of the 10 priority key technologies from the Dutch government's National Technology Strategy. In addition to digital key technologies AI/Data and Cybersecurity Technologies, these include Semiconductor Technologies, Quantum Technologies and Optical Systems and Integrated Photonics.
From 10 to 13 November 2025, the 'Future of Compute' Innovation Mission to the United Kingdom will take place. The innovation mission has 3 tracks: AI, Integrated Photonics and Neuromorphic Computing. This provides participants with ample opportunity to explore possible research collaborations and business partnerships with British parties. The United Kingdom, like the Netherlands, is a leader in the field of neuromorphic computing.
