Finnish Neuromorphic Systems 2026: Emerging Materials and Technologies for Brain-Inspired Computing

Finnish Neuromorphic Systems 2026  is a two-day interdisciplinary workshop connecting Finnish and European expertise in neuromorphic materials, emerging devices, brain-inspired computing technologies, and innovation pathways. The workshop brings together researchers working across materials chemistry, physics, electronics, device engineering, AI hardware, and related application domains.

The event aims to strengthen the FINNESS network as a platform for academic collaboration, industry engagement, and future research initiatives in emerging neuromorphic systems. The programme combines a curated industry collaboration day with an academic research day focused on scientific exchange, landscape-building, and the identification of future collaboration themes.

This workshop is relevant for:

• researchers working on neuromorphic materials, chemistry, physics, electronics, device engineering, AI hardware, and emerging computing systems;
• doctoral researchers and postdoctoral researchers interested in interdisciplinary neuromorphic research;
• companies active in edge AI, microelectronics, sensing, materials innovation, hardware systems, validation, and scale-up;
• innovation, funding, commercialisation, and ecosystem actors supporting research-to-business pathways and university–industry collaboration.

Day 1: Industry collaboration and translation

10 June 2026 at 9.30-16.30 | Quantum, Lecture Hall XVII (Vesilinnantie 5, University Hill)

The first day focuses on industry collaboration and translation pathways for neuromorphic systems research. It will bring together academic contributors, company representatives, innovation actors, and funding ecosystem perspectives to explore how Finnish and European expertise in materials, devices, and systems can connect with industrial needs. 

The day will address:

• the Finnish neuromorphic and emerging hardware innovation landscape;
• research-to-business and commercialisation pathways;
• company needs and application-driven challenges;
• funding and collaboration mechanisms;
• short company problem pitches selected from interested companies based on relevance and available slots;
• roundtable discussion to identify future collaboration themes.

The expected outcome of Day 1 is a focused set of collaboration opportunities and follow-up themes that can support future academic–industry engagement, funding preparation, and ecosystem development.

Company problem pitches and roll-ups

Companies may apply to contribute a short problem pitch on Day 1. Pitches should describe a technical, application, validation, scaling, or collaboration challenge relevant to neuromorphic systems, edge AI, microelectronics, sensing, emerging materials, or advanced hardware development.

Pitch slots are limited to approximately 3-4 companies and will be selected by the organisers based on relevance, fit with the programme, and available time.

Companies may also indicate whether they wish to bring a roll-up display for Day 1. Company roll-ups are intended to support informal networking and visibility during the industry collaboration day. Roll-up displays are subject to space and practical arrangements.

Day 2: Academic research workshop

11 June 2026 at 9.30-17.30 | Aurum, Argentum Auditorium (Henrikinkatu 2)

The second day is dedicated to academic exchange on the scientific foundations and future directions of neuromorphic systems research. The programme will highlight research perspectives spanning chemistry, materials science, physics, device engineering, and emerging architectures for brain-inspired computing.

Topics include:

• emerging materials for neuromorphic functionality;
• materials chemistry and hybrid materials;
• electrochemical and ionic mechanisms;
• interfaces, polymers, organic and hybrid systems;
• thin-film and device physics;
• memristive, spintronic, magnonic, and phase-change approaches;
• emerging architectures for AI hardware and brain-inspired computing;
• Finnish, European, UK, and Swiss perspectives on the field;
• future collaboration opportunities and network-building.

The day will support the development of a shared research landscape and help identify themes for future collaboration within and beyond Finland.

Please find the workshop programme poster here.

Registration and participation

Registration is required for all participants. Registration is open for both workshop days, and participants may register for one or both days depending on their interests and availability.

Companies interested in contributing a short problem pitch or bringing a company roll-up for Day 1 should indicate this in the registration form. Pitch slots are limited to approximately 3-4 companies and will be selected by the organisers based on relevance, fit with the programme, and available time.

Organisers and support

The workshop is organised by the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University, and the FINNESS - Finnish Neuromorphic Systems network.

Scientific organisation:

• Prof. Petriina Paturi, University of Turku;
• Prof. Jovana V. Milić, University of Turku;
• Prof. Ronald Österbacka, Åbo Akademi University.

The workshop is supported by SUSMAT and by institutional and project-based support from the University of Turku, including activities connected to the Business Finland-funded OCEANAut project. 

Contact

For practical questions about registration, participation, or event arrangements, please contact:

Quentin Huchet 
Research Manager 
Faculty of Science, University of Turku 
quentin.huchet@utu.fi

Vesa Hautala 
Project Coordinator 
Research Services, University of Turku 
vesa.hautala@utu.fi

For scientific questions, please contact the organisers through the event contact above.