Smart Materials to Revolutionize AI Efficiency: 2025 Award Winner
Eindhoven, Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
Yoeri van de Burgt wins the Ammodo Science Award 2025 to enhance AI with smart materials, including an innovation that processes data at its origin, potentially transforming medical technology.
Revolutionary Neuromorphic Technology
The groundbreaking research centers on neuromorphic technology, where Van de Burgt, an associate professor at Eindhoven University of Technology, has pioneered the development of hardware networks that mimic biological neural systems [1]. His most significant innovation, the electrochemical random-access memory (ECRAM), simulates brain cell connections while processing information at its source, eliminating the need for remote data center processing [1]. This advancement represents a fundamental shift in how artificial intelligence systems handle data processing.
Energy Efficiency and Biological Compatibility
Unlike conventional silicon-based computers that consume substantial power for AI operations, Van de Burgt’s approach utilizes organic materials that replicate natural brain cell functions [1]. These materials offer dual advantages: they are both energy-efficient and biocompatible. This breakthrough positions the technology perfectly for applications where biology meets technology, particularly in medical implementations [1]. The development will be supported by a €350,000 prize from the Ammodo Science Award [2].
Future Medical Applications
The trajectory of this technology points toward revolutionary medical applications, particularly in adaptive implants and smart prosthetics [1]. Van de Burgt’s research aims to develop medical devices that can interpret nerve signals and respond to users’ needs in real-time, representing a significant advancement in biomedical engineering [1]. The formal recognition of this work will be celebrated at the award ceremony scheduled for May 7, 2025, at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam [1].