Future Visions: Neuromorphic Computing

2pm – 3.30pm 29 November 2022

This webinar took place on 29 November 2022. Click here to read the event round-up.

techUK is excited to bring you the next event in its Future Visions series - The series explores the next-generation technologies at the cutting edge of research and development that are set to disrupt industries, challenge incumbents, and act as a catalyst for growth. It offers the opportunity to learn about the latest advances in technology from those at the heart of its development, and what this might mean for your business.

Neuromorph-what? What is neuromorphic computing and what does this mean for the future of compute? How does the human brain immerse itself into complex tasks and decisions every day, and yet somehow use less energy than a lightbulb?

It is this question that guides the principles behind neuromorphic computing. The primary objective behind neuromorphic computing is to construct a cognition machine that learns, retains data, and makes logical conclusions like humans and thus understand more about how the human brain work. This is through artificial neurons that are designed following modern neurobiological models of spiking neural networks (SNN). Each of the spiking neurons maintains and updates its states independently and communicates with the other neurons over a network of connections of an arbitrary structure. This creates new algorithmic approaches that can, among other capabilities, emulate how the human brain interacts with the world.

This could bring dramatic benefits in terms of energy efficiency, execution speed, and revolutionise AI models. But will this computing ever move from the research labs and power the next innovative solutions across robotics, sensing and AI? And if so, how will the tech sector engage and use this technology alongside existing computing infrastructure at use?

In this webinar, techUK will gather industry leaders at the forefront of neuromorphic computing innovation to explain why the UK tech sector needs to understand neuromorphic computing, and the benefits it may one day unlock. We will explore if the UK is developing technology communities working across this technology, and what timelines we can expect as research around neuromorphic computing continues.

This is an exploratory session set to envision how neuromorphic computing will shape the UK tech sector in years to come, and develop a deeper understanding as to what this technology infrastructure may one day achieve.

Speakers include:

Jim Scott, Head of Strategic Engagement, Lockheed Martin
Yulia Sandamirskaya, Applications Research Lead, Neuromorphic Computing Lab, Intel Labs
Aidong Xu, Head of Semiconductor Capability, Cambridge Consultants

Click below to view our other Unleashing Innovation series

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.

This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

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Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on Semiconductors and Digital ID.

He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.

Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.