ASPIRE International Project

The Institute of Chemical Technology (ITQ), a joint centre of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), is part of the international ASPIRE project, which aims to create an international network of leading research groups in iontronics-based neuromorphic computing. This type of computing seeks to mimic the way in which neurons and synapses process and store information efficiently and adaptively, by developing devices that operate through the movement of ions. This project will lead to the creation of new neuromorphic devices and circuits inspired by the functioning of the brain. ASPIRE is funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

The PROFUND group at ITQ (CSIC-UPV) is contributing its expertise in iontronic devices, memristors (electronic components whose resistance changes depending on the current that has previously passed through them) and neuromorphic oscillators (electronic devices that mimic the rhythmic and dynamic behaviour of neurons, generating oscillatory electrical signals similar to brain patterns), as well as in the modelling and characterisation of memory-based systems, i.e. devices whose electrical response depends not only on the stimulus applied at a specific moment, but also on their previous history, which is essential for reproducing processes such as learning and synaptic plasticity in neuromorphic circuits.

"The PROFUND group's participation in the ASPIRE project will contribute to the conceptual and experimental development of new neuromorphic circuits. Furthermore, the group will actively participate by promoting research visits, training young researchers, and carrying out joint activities within the network," states Prof. Juan Bisquert, Distinguished Researcher at the UPV and head of the PROFUND group at the ITQ (CSIC-UPV).

The project is explicitly designed to generate new lines of collaborative research that can be developed at the ITQ (CSIC-UPV), both during the ASPIRE project and in future projects. This network will facilitate the preparation of joint proposals for submission to international calls for proposals and for the development of shared research at the ITQ (CSIC-UPV).

"The collaboration will enhance the international visibility of the ITQ (CSIC-UPV), expand its network of strategic partners, and help attract young international talent. Furthermore, it will foster new lines of research in neuromorphic computing, consolidating the ITQ (CSIC-UPV) as a centre of excellence in iontronic and neuromorphic devices", explains Prof. Juan Bisquert, UPV Distinguished Researcher and head of the PROFUND group at the ITQ (CSIC-UPV).

International collaboration

Research teams from Spain, Japan, Germany, France, and Italy are participating in the project. In addition to the PROFUND group at ITQ (CSIC-UPV), participants include the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS, Japan), Tohoku University (Japan), Shibaura Institute of Technology (Japan), Forschungszentrum Jülich (Germany), the Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies – C2N (France), the University of Cagliari (Italy) and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy).