• A new £5.6 million UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing is being established to develop brain-inspired computing technologies.
• The center aims to address the sustainability challenges of current digital infrastructure and AI by creating more energy-efficient computing solutions.
• The center will integrate breakthroughs in neuroscience, stem-cell-derived human neurons, computational modelling, and advanced hardware development, with support from major industrial partners.

A new £5.6 million UK national center, the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing, is being launched to advance brain-inspired computing. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the center will support research and development of neuromorphic systems, which emulate the structure and efficiency of biological brains. The initiative seeks to address the growing sustainability concerns associated with current digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence systems by creating energy-efficient alternatives.

• What: Establishment of the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing to develop energy-efficient computing inspired by the human brain.
• Who: Led by Aston University's Institute of Photonic Technologies, with participation from researchers at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Southampton, Queen Mary University of London, Loughborough, and Strathclyde. Industrial partners include Microsoft Research, BT, Hewlett Packard Labs, Nokia Bell Labs, Leonardo UK, QinetiQ and Thales.
• When: Announced in May 2025, with funding spanning four years.
• Where: The center is a UK national initiative with participating institutions across the country.

The establishment of the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing signifies a strategic investment in the future of computing. By focusing on neuromorphic systems, the UK aims to address the increasing energy demands of AI and digital infrastructure. The collaboration between multiple universities and industry partners ensures a multidisciplinary approach, integrating neuroscience, advanced hardware, and computational modeling. The potential impact includes more sustainable computing solutions and advancements in AI capabilities.

We are delighted to be involved in this pioneering initiative to develop novel brain-inspired systems that will open up new computing possibilities while also contributing to tackle the soaring energy demands of today’s artificial intelligence.

For the first time, we can combine the study of living human neurons with that of advanced computing platforms to co-develop the future of computing. This project is an exciting leap forward, learning from biology and technology in ways that were not previously possible.

To address the challenge of substantially lowering the power consumption in electronics, novel materials and device architectures are needed that can effectively emulate computation in the brain and cellular responses to certain stimuli.

The UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing represents a significant step towards developing more sustainable and efficient computing technologies. By mimicking the human brain, the center aims to revolutionize AI and address the growing energy demands of digital infrastructure. The collaboration between leading universities and industry partners positions the UK as a key player in the field of neuromorphic computing, with potential long-term benefits for both society and the economy. Ongoing developments and research will determine the ultimate success and impact of this initiative.