neuroMORPHic fluidic circuits Enabled by artificial iOn channelS

The artificial intelligence revolution is urgently calling for higher energy efficiency and new computing approaches. Neuromorphic computing promises to deliver computational power at lower energy cost than current von Neumann architectures, drawing inspiration from the brain. The brain’s better performance lies in the fact that it processes and stores information within the same unit and that it uses different information carriers – ions and neurotransmitters instead of electrons. MORPHEOS envisions iontronic neuromorphic computing as a deep technology that will push the frontier of computation by closely mimicking the brain’s inner workings. We propose to develop memristive artificial ion channels (AIC) with a novel hybrid (biological/solid-state) architecture and connect them by micro- nano-fluidic circuits to realize a robust and scalable neuromorphic device. To achieve this technological goal, MORPHEOS is designed as an innovative research and training network, where we will recruit 15 Researchers to work toward the ambitious goal of developing the next-generation hybrid nanopore technology for neuromorphic computing. The network brings together a unique team of 10 world-leading academic groups, at the forefront of nanoscience, and 2 high tech companies, to translate the innovations into real-world applications. MORPHEOS will establish an intersectoral training and research programme at the physics/chemistry/biotech interface with partners from 6 EU countries, aimed at creating the next generation of skilled well-connected scientists that will pioneer the ‘ionic channels science of tomorrow’.