Picosecond-scale Photonic Heterogeneous Integrated Neuromorphic Detectorbroad
PHINDER · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-04-01–2030-03-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-EIC-2025-PATHFINDEROPEN · scheme HORIZON-EIC · topic HORIZON-EIC-2025-PATHFINDEROPEN. CORDIS record →
Objective
Advanced applications—ranging from 5D-imaging particle detectors and proton beam therapy computed tomography, to adaptive chemical process control—generate vast streams of optical data. Whether produced by particle interactions in scintillator materials or by spatiotemporal chemical variations captured in sensor arrays, these data require compression and sub-nanosecond, energy-efficient processing within an integrated system enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI)—capabilities that current technologies cannot deliver. PHINDER’s ambitious goal is to deliver disruptive hardware innovations enabling sub-nanosecond monitoring and real-time data analysis, addressing the unmet needs of next-generation imaging, sensing, and control technologies. PHINDER pioneers a new class of optoelectronic devices that combine picosecond-scale detection with on-chip intelligence by advancing the state of the art in: (i) optoelectronic neuromorphic algorithm-hardware co-design and (ii) multiscale integration of III-V semiconductor nanowire neuromorphic circuits and sensor arrays with programmable on-chip InP photonic integrated circuits. A transdisciplinary team with access to leading cleanroom and high-performance computing facilities will integrate early-stage research components into radically new chip architectures delivering (1) sub-100 ps temporal resolution and latency, (2) ultra-low-energy photonic interconnects below 1 fJ per spike, and (3) unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution beyond current state-of-the-art systems. This high-risk, high-gain vision of a sub-nanosecond event camera with on-chip intelligence addresses Europe’s critical need for low-energy, ultrafast data processing and AI at the edge. By leveraging Europe’s strengths in photonics, PHINDER will enable transformative applications in fundamental science, biomedical technology, chemical processing, and high-speed production—contributing to sustainability, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy.
Beneficiaries (7)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LULEA TEKNISKA UNIVERSITET | SE | coordinator | €633,125 | |
| TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN | NL | participant | €655,754 | |
| LUNDS UNIVERSITET | SE | participant | €605,000 | |
| HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE BELGIUM | BE | participant | €518,125 | |
| ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI FISICA NUCLEARE | IT | participant | €248,750 | |
| UNIVERSIDAD DE OVIEDO | ES | participant | €246,875 | |
| UNIVERSIDAD DE CANTABRIA | ES | participant | €221,875 |
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