Project description
Developing energy-efficient hardware for the next generation of AI
Today’s computer hardware is struggling to keep up with the growing demand for speed and energy efficiency. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the HERON project will develop a new generation of memory devices that combine multiple functions and can be controlled using both electricity and light, enabling faster and more energy-efficient computing. These components will be integrated into prototype brain-inspired computing circuits that mimic the way the human brain processes information. By advancing low-power hardware for AI, HERON aims to support more sustainable, high-performance computing and strengthen Europe’s leadership in next-generation nanoelectronics.
Objective
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising science and technology, but today’s computers are hitting fundamental energy and performance walls. HERON (Hybrid-responsive mEm-devices for neuROinspired computiNg) will break this barrier by creating ferroelectric multi-memory devices that combine memristive and memcapacitive functions, operated with hybrid voltage–light control. Scalable, CMOS-compatible oxides such as wide bandgap hafnia and zirconia will be engineered to deliver sub-10 ns switching, <100 fJ energy use, and >10⁸ endurance cycles.
HERON will go beyond single devices to demonstrate proof-of-concept neuromorphic circuits, integrating oscillators and acoustic–ferroelectric couplings into arrays. These architectures will showcase optically addressable acousto-synapses and memcapacitive–oscillator circuits, opening new pathways towards real-time adaptability, ultra-low power operation, and brain-inspired computing.
The consortium unites top European academic institutions (RUG, CNRS, POLIMI), industry (IMChip), and a third-country partner (CONICET, Argentina) in an interdisciplinary and intersectoral alliance spanning physics, nanotechnology, photonics, and ICT. Through staff exchanges and tailored training, HERON will equip researchers with cutting-edge technical expertise and essential transferable skills, building a new generation of talent in advanced nanoelectronics.
By advancing proof-of-concept green hardware solutions for AI, HERON will contribute to the European Green Deal and the achievement of the SDGs (7, 9, 12, 13), while positioning Europe at the forefront of sustainable, high-performance computing research.
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.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence
- social sciences economics and business economics sustainable economy
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nanoelectronics
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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-TMA-MSCA-SE - HORIZON TMA MSCA Staff Exchanges
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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-MSCA-2025-SE-01
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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.
9712CP Groningen
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.