Objective
NEQIOS introduces a radically new approach to solving complex computational problems that resist efficient solution on existing digital or quantum systems. We propose a compact neuromorphic platform that physically emulates key quantum properties, such as annealing, tunnelling, and superposition, without relying on fragile quantum states. Instead, NEQIOS integrates analogue in-memory computing (AIMC), integrated photonics (IPC), and reconfigurable nonlinear computing (RNC) in a high-performance system-on-package design.
This innovation is urgently needed. From materials discovery to logistics and drug design, society faces NP-hard problems that scale exponentially. Quantum computers offer promise, but current systems – operating at cryogenic temperatures and requiring large infrastructure – remain costly, slow, difficult to scale and prohibitive for use on edge devices. NEQIOS offers a robust, room-temperature alternative that drastically reduces energy use (below 1 mW) and solution time (microseconds), while achieving solution quality on par with quantum annealers.
NEQIOS’s key breakthrough lies in decomposing energy-based models into fine-grained computational primitives, each mapped to a dedicated physical substrate. AIMC performs high-throughput vector-matrix operations, IPC ensures precision and low-latency signal flow, and RNC handles nonlinear, adaptive function approximation. Together, these components form a physical solver capable of mimicking quantum behaviour with unmatched efficiency and scalability.
NEQIOS is driven by a world-class European consortium with deep expertise in neuromorphic computing, photonic hardware, and analogue systems. With IBM Research Europe, Radboud University, University of Heidelberg, Enlightra, University of Oxford, and University of Twente, we unite technical excellence and a bold vision to deliver a transformative computing paradigm, aligned with Europe's semiconductor strategy and future demands in AI, science and industry.
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.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
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-EIC - HORIZON EIC 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) HORIZON-EIC-2025-PATHFINDEROPEN
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
7522 NB Enschede
Netherlands
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.