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TU/e - Technische Universiteit Eindhoven

04/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/15/2025 13:02

Ammodo Science Award 2025 goes to Yoeri van de Burgt

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Ammodo Science Award 2025 goes to Yoeri van de Burgt

April 15, 2025

Yoeri van de Burgt will use the €350,000 prize money to investigate how smart materials can make artificial intelligence more efficient by processing information directly at the source.

Yoeri van de Burgt is one of eight recipients of the 2025 Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research. He has achieved a groundbreaking advance in energy-efficient artificial intelligence through his development of organic electrochemical random-access memory (ECRAM). This memory technology successfully mimics the connections between brain cells, enabling information to be processed using hundreds of times less energy than traditional computers. Van de Burgt will receive €350,000 to expand his research over the coming years. We spoke with him about the importance of his broad research field: 'neuromorphic technology'.

In recent years, artificial intelligence has become deeply embedded in our daily lives-from translation software to self-driving cars. Unfortunately, these systems consume vast amounts of energy: modern AI data centers use as much electricity as a small city. In contrast, the human brain can perform complex tasks with far less energy. This inspired Yoeri van de Burgt to take a revolutionary path: developing computers that function like the human brain.

Process electrical signals using minimal energy

Van de Burgt, an associate professor in the Microsystems section, is a pioneer in neuromorphic technology. He creates hardware networks of artificial neurons and synapses that, like our brains, process electrical signals using minimal energy. While conventional silicon-based computers consume large amounts of power for AI tasks, Van de Burgt uses organic materials that mimic the natural operation of brain cells. These materials are not only energy-efficient, but also flexible and biocompatible, making them ideal for applications at the intersection of technology and biology.

One of his most groundbreaking innovations is the development of electrochemical random-access memory (ECRAM). This memory simulates the connections between brain cells and can process information directly where it is generated, eliminating the need to send it to distant data centers. What sets ECRAM apart is its ability to adapt and learn from new information-just like a brain. This enables robots to learn to navigate independently and biosensors to improve in detecting diseases-all with minimal energy use. The system has been so successful that research institutions like MIT and companies like IBM are actively developing the technology further.

Photo credits: Florian Braakman

A hallmark of Van de Burgt's work is his ability to integrate different scientific fields. He brings together expertise from technology, materials science, chemistry, bioelectronics, and artificial intelligence. This multidisciplinary approach allows him not only to create new materials but also to implement them directly in functioning systems such as intelligent robots and body-integrated technologies like prosthetics. His original perspective and willingness to cross traditional academic boundaries inspire other researchers to explore new directions.

Merging technology and biology

In the coming years, Van de Burgt aims to further develop his technology for medical applications, such as implants that adapt to the body. By merging technology and biology, he is working toward a new generation of computers that are not only more powerful and efficient but also aligned with the natural functions of the human body. This opens the door to smart prosthetics that can interpret nerve signals and respond directly to the user's needs. Ultimately, he hopes to contribute to a future where humans and machines work together in a sustainable and natural way.

The Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research is intended for outstanding, internationally recognized mid-career scientists working in the Netherlands who earned their PhDs between five and fifteen years ago. The award ceremony will take place on May 7 at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. More information about the award can be found here.