Objective Cognitive tasks are increasingly necessary in modern electronics. The energy efficiency of associated algorithms, which rely on abundant stored parameters, is severely limited by the separation of computation and memory elements in conventional computers. In NANOINFER, I will directly address this challenge by developing intelligent memory chips that natively perform both memory and computing functions, using CMOS and emerging nanodevices. These chips will perform modern Bayesian inference algorithms, which allow cognitive-type reasoning. The project includes theoretical investigations as well as intelligent memory chip designs, which will be supported by proof-of-concept experimental demonstrations. The proposed architectures, based on spintronic and memristive memories, will maximize energy efficiency by leveraging the complex physics of these emerging devices for inference operations and the storage of model parameters, and by minimizing exchanges between computation units and memory. Inference will be performed using sampling algorithms that allow tackling difficult problems and are robust to nanodevice imperfections. The inference circuits will be composed of digital CMOS logic as well as spiking neurons circuits. Two standard Bayesian approaches will be employed to enable learning, permitting highly adaptive systems. Preliminary results on a system that performs naïve Bayesian inference have validated this concept and its use with novel memory technologies. NANOINFER will resolve critical interdisciplinary challenges to permit intelligent memories to perform non-naïve tasks, ensuring a correspondence between device physics and Bayesian concepts while maintaining a fusion between computation and memory. This project will deepen our understanding of novel memory technologies and develop a toolbox for creating intelligent memory chips. These will allow smart devices to perform cognitive/sensory-motor tasks at low energy without requiring large computing machines. Fields of science natural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsstatistics and probabilitybayesian statistics Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2016-STG - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2016-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Host institution CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS Net EU contribution € 1 499 609,00 Address RUE MICHEL ANGE 3 75794 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 499 609,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS France Net EU contribution € 1 499 609,00 Address RUE MICHEL ANGE 3 75794 Paris See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 499 609,00