13 July 2026
Europe has strong research capabilities in neuromorphic computing, but until now there has been a lack of close coordination. The COST Action EuroNMC aims to change that. The initiative, spearheaded by Forschungszentrum Jülich, brings together stakeholders along the technology and innovation chain.
Large AI models require enormous computing power, specialized chips, and a great deal of energy. Researchers and industry partners around the world are therefore working on new computer architectures that are powerful yet significantly more energy-efficient. Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the functional principles of biological neurons, is considered a promising approach in this regard.
This potential is illustrated by the human brain. It handles highly complex tasks while consuming only about 20 to 30 watts of energy. Neuromorphic systems aim to harness these principles for applications such as robotics, sensor technology, medical technology, autonomous systems, and future AI hardware.
Pooling Europe's Cutting-Edge Research
Europe is well-positioned in this field. Universities, research centers, and industry partners have been working for years on novel materials, components, algorithms, and architectures. Initiatives such as the Human Brain Project and EBRAINS have laid the groundwork. However, the landscape has remained fragmented: Neuroscience, microelectronics, computer science, and materials research have often operated in silos. Common standards, benchmarks, and coordinated strategies are still lacking.
This is where the new COST Action CA25118, "European Network for NeuroMorphic Computing" (EuroNMC), comes in. The goal is to create a stronger network of European research and pool expertise throughout the value chain, from biologically inspired models to hardware, software, applications, and industrial use. 139 researchers from the fields of materials science, engineering, high-performance computing, brain-inspired AI, and neuroscience at 80 institutions in 24 European countries have formalized this goal in a Memorandum of Understanding.
From Memory Devices to AI Algorithms
The initiative was largely spearheaded by Forschungszentrum Jülich. Numerous European institutions are involved, including Université Paris-Saclay/CNRS, University of Twente, ETH Zurich, University of Vienna, Cyprus Institute, University of Seville (IMSE-CNM/CSIC), and Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Together, they cover key areas of neuromorphic computing, including novel memory devices, chip design, AI algorithms, and neuroscientific models.
COST Actions foster exchange
COST, the European Cooperation in Science and Technology, supports interdisciplinary research networks known as COST Actions. They generally do not fund the research itself, but rather focus on fostering exchange and networking across national and disciplinary boundaries-for example, through workshops, training sessions, research visits, and conferences. In May 2026, 80 new COST Actions were approved; demand was high, with only 7 percent of submissions receiving funding.
Join the network
Anyone interested in helping shape the future of neuromorphic computing in Europe is cordially invited to join the COST Action EuroNMC and network with leading experts.
https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA25118/
