Collaborations in Neuromorphic Computing

News item | 09-04-2025 | 14:33

Colleagues from the Netherlands Innovation Network in the United Kingdom, based at the Dutch Embassy in London, look back on a successful four day Innovation Mission. The mission focused on stimulating and advancing NL-UK collaboration in Neuromorphic Computing.

Innovation Mission to the UK

The Innovation Mission consisted of a Dutch delegation with representatives from academia, industry, startups, and policy, who travelled to the UK to meet with counterparts.

The aim of the Innovation Mission? To connect and exchange between the Netherlands and the UK on topic of Neuromorphic Computing, which is becoming ever more relevant with its possible role in making AI more sustainable.

Together, we have the opportunity to unlock the incredible potential of neuromorphic technologies and to help shape the future of computing.

Bilateral Symposium

The Mission started strong, with a unique bilateral symposium guaranteeing a full day of NL-UK ecosystem exchange.

Highlights of the symposium included:

  • Talks about our respective neuromorphic ecosystem characteristics, joint challenges, and opportunities

  • Elaborate discussions of shared funding mechanisms available for NL-UK collaboration, including potential bilateral opportunities, and various European avenues

 

  • Spotlighting of both countries' neuromorphic computing initiatives, with much already happening in the Netherlands, and many interesting initiatives currently developing in the UK ​​​​​​.

  • Discussions on the overlap of neuromorphic technologies with the fields of AI, photonics, and semiconductors.

  • AI product company OPT/NET BV officially set up its UK entity in a signing ceremony with the ambassador, Paul Huijsts, Frits Grotenhuis, Topsector ICT, and Tjerk Opmeer from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.

 

Exploring Cambridge’s Research Landscape

We had the privilege of visiting the University of Cambridge, where we engaged in lab tours showcasing cutting-edge deposition techniques, cleanroom facilities, and advanced measurement tools. A highlight was learning about NanoPrint Innovations Limited, a spinout from Judith Driscoll's research group, Cambridge-based semicon company Paragraf, and exploring commercialisation pathways through Cambridge Enterprise. The discussions with Cambridge researchers and entrepreneurs underscored the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in pushing neuromorphic computing forward.

Charting the future

Our mission concluded with a strategic session, where we reflected on key takeaways and outlined the next steps for strengthening the neuromorphic ecosystem.

Thank you to all our hosts, speakers, and participants for making this mission a success.

The foundations for impactful, cross-border collaboration have been set, and we look forward to the next steps in advancing this exciting field.

This four day programme provided the delegation with deep insights, hands-on experiences, and forward-looking discussions to shape future collaboration between the UK and the Netherlands in this increasingly important field.

Connect with us

If you’d like to learn more about opportunities or partnerships, or making connection with the Netherlands in the field of Neuromorphic Computing or other emerging technologies, please get in touch with Netherlands Innovation Network in the UK, via the contact form.

You can also keep up to date with news from the Netherlands Innovation Network in the UK via their LinkedIn page.