Project description
Self-powered optics for smarter environmental monitoring
Environmental monitoring is increasingly dependent on sensors and cameras. However, traditional systems require significant amounts of energy, complicated hardware, and regular maintenance. New methods are needed to improve sustainability and scalability, particularly in remote areas. With this in mind, the ERC-funded APOLLON project presents an innovative solar cell-based optical neural network (ONN). This network uses solar cells as sensors and processing nodes. By removing the need for cameras or external power, the system lowers energy consumption while providing continuous, real-time monitoring. Metasurfaces enhance sensitivity and spectral selectivity. This allows for accurate object recognition based on light patterns and colours. The outcome is a scalable, self-powered, and low-maintenance sensor network that could change environmental monitoring globally.
Objective
APOLLON aims to develop a novel solar-cell-based optical neural network (ONN) designed for real-time, energy-efficient environmental monitoring and object recognition. By leveraging solar cells as both sensors and network nodes, the ONN eliminates the need for conventional cameras and external power sources, significantly reducing energy consumption and system complexity. The integration of metasurfaces enhances the system’s optical sensitivity and spectral selectivity, enabling more accurate detection and classification of objects based on light patterns and colours. This innovative approach allows for scalable, self-powered sensor networks capable of continuous operation in remote and hard-to-reach locations. By addressing the challenges of energy consumption, scalability, and real-time data processing, this project aims to deliver a transformative solution that meets the growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective environmental monitoring and establishes a foundation for future commercialization and global deployment.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering colors
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
KY16 9AJ ST ANDREWS
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.