Led by Aston University and backed by £5.6m in funding from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the centre is set to become a world-leading hub for research into energy-efficient, brain-inspired technologies.
The new centre is not just a research project – it’s the beginning of a transformative shift in computing as we know it.
By mimicking the human brain’s structural and functional design, neuromorphic computing aims to tackle the escalating power demands of today’s AI systems and digital infrastructure.
Professor Rhein Parri, co-director and neurophysiologist at Aston University, explained: “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.”
What is neuromorphic computing?
Unlike traditional computing, which relies on binary logic and high energy consumption, neuromorphic computing replicates the way neurons and synapses work in the human brain.
This allows for massively parallel data processing with dramatically reduced power use. While the human brain operates on around 20 watts of energy, conventional AI hardware consumes thousands of times more to achieve far less adaptability.
The centre will integrate human stem-cell-derived neurons with computational models to create co-designed neuromorphic systems – hardware and algorithms developed in tandem with insights from living biology.
A key innovation will be the use of photonic hardware, which processes data using light instead of electricity, enabling ultrafast speeds and unprecedented energy efficiency.
A national collaboration of world-class institutions
This ambitious initiative is being led by the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) and includes collaboration from top-tier UK universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Southampton, Queen Mary University of London, Loughborough, and Strathclyde.
Together, they bring unparalleled expertise spanning neuroscience, unconventional algorithms, photonics, materials science, and nano-electronics.
The centre’s research team includes leading scientists in stem cell biology, computational modelling, and photonic hardware, working hand-in-hand to develop novel computing paradigms that closely emulate the brain’s low-energy, high-efficiency performance.
Industry powerhouses join forces for impact
In addition to its academic strength, the centre 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 will help shape the centre’s roadmap and ensure its innovations have a direct path to real-world application.
From defence and telecommunications to healthcare and AI, the potential use cases for neuromorphic computing systems are vast.
The collaboration aims not only to demonstrate technical breakthroughs but also to drive societal and economic impact by accelerating the adoption of sustainable computing technologies.
A vision for a sustainable and scalable future
The centre’s mission extends beyond research and development. It seeks to build a long-term, interdisciplinary ecosystem that cultivates future talent, forges global partnerships, and positions the UK as a world leader in neuromorphic computing.
With training initiatives, international collaborations, and industry-led innovation, the centre aims to sustain its momentum well beyond its initial four-year funding period.
As the global demand for data and AI continues to soar, the energy toll of conventional computing becomes increasingly unsustainable.
Neuromorphic computing represents an incremental improvement and a fundamental shift toward a new computing paradigm that is more efficient, adaptable, and aligned with the planet’s needs.