Netherlands Initiative for Energy-Efficient Computing

Dutch National Science Agenda (NWA) program

Image taken in cleanroom
Image taken in cleanroom

NL-ECO program

NL-ECO is inspired by the need for a radical improvement in the energy efficiency of information and communication technology (ICT). This energy consumption is problematically high and is growing to unsustainable levels. The NL-ECO program, part of the Dutch National Science Agenda (NWA), aims to develop new concepts and associated materials for this purpose. In NL-ECO, 33 academic, industrial, and societal organisations join forces on one of the major social challenges; how can the rapidly increasing consumption of energy in ICT be curbed?

Paradigm shifts

In an interdisciplinary approach, the NL-ECO program explores frontiers in energy-efficient computing technologies which go beyond existing paradigms. We focus, among other things, on the development and application of new chip technologies that combine electrical, optical and magnetic effects, on new ways of data processing inspired by the functioning of the brain, and on materials structured in such a way that they can perform calculations automatically.

Man working high tech apperature
Man working high tech apperature

Recent News

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NL-ECO
Building the Roadmap for Neuromorphic Computing

The NL-ECO consortium members were prominently represented at the "Building the Roadmap for Neuromorphic Computing" event held on 28 June in Eindhoven. Organized by imec, the University of Groningen, and the University of Twente, this event brought together a dynamic community of experts in neuromorphic computing from the Netherlands and abroad, with the goal of developing a shared vision in this field. The meeting began with inspiring presentations of use cases, followed by Johan Mentink from Radboud University Nijmegen presenting a white paper. This document, collectively developed by various organizations active in the field across the Netherlands, provides an overview of neuromorphic computing and its potential impact. It highlights current efforts in the Netherlands and emphasizes the need for a unified national approach to strengthen the country’s position in the rapidly evolving international landscape. The white paper serves as a starting point for creating a collective Neuromorphic Computing Roadmap. The meeting continued with interactive panel discussions on national and international perspectives, as well as breakout sessions where participants brainstormed key applications, case-building, and roadmap drafting. The event concluded with a visit to the brand-new High Tech Campus Eindhoven’s innovation hub 3EALITY. The follow-up events will further refine the roadmap and strengthen collaboration within the neuromorphic computing community.