NEXT-AI 2026

NEUROMORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES FOR FUTURE AI

Loughborough University, 8-10 April 2026

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Download our preliminary program now

Preliminary program updated on 26/02/2026

Preliminary Program

Key Sponsors

NEXT-AI 2026 is a dedicated workshops on neuromorphic technologies and hardware AI in the UK. This 3-day event will bring together early- and mid-career researchers, industry innovators, start-ups, funders, and policymakers to explore the neuromorphic development stack — from novel materials and platforms to algorithms and real-world applications.

3D render abstract digital visualization depicting neural networks and AI technology.

NEXT-AI will provide a cross-disciplinary platform for researchers, industry innovators, and institutional stakeholders working across the neuromorphic computing landscape. Our scope spans the full stack of neuromorphic technologies, from emerging materials and photonic/electronic platforms, through algorithmic co-design, to applications in AI and beyond.

Workshop mission

  • Bridge diverse communities: photonics, electronics, AI/ML, neuroscience-inspired computing, and end-user domains
  • Highlight UK capabilities while embedding them in an international context
  • Empower early-career researchers by giving them visibility, networking opportunities, and leadership roles
  • Engage industry and start-ups to identify real-world challenges, application areas, and investment opportunities
  • Interface with funders and policy makers to align community efforts with national priorities

By bringing together diverse expertise, NEXT-AI will act as a catalyst for collaboration, seeding new partnerships and mapping the emerging landscape of neuromorphic technologies for AI

Sessions at a glance

  • Session I: UK neuromorphic landscape, funding and KTP opportunities
  • Session II: NEXT electronics and memristors
  • Session III: NEXT optoelectronics and photonics
  • Session IV: NEXT in the real world: industrial applications from startups to corporate
  • Session V: NEXT algorithms and co-design
  • Session VI: NEXT-generation platforms: from quantum to biological systems

Program Highlights

  • Keynotes from academic, industry and national funding bodies key players
  • Two poster sessions and ECR-led activities
  • Networking receptions and conference dinner

Our event is powered by witr 

Venue

The workshop is hosted by the Emergent Photonics Research Centre at Loughborough University

  • Holywell Park Conference Centre
  • Loughborough University, LE11 3TU
Venue and Contact Details

Organisers

Central organisation team

  • Juan Totero Gongora - Emergent Photonics Research Centre, Loughborough University
  • Nataliia Manuilovich - Aston University, UK Neuromorphic Computing Centre
  • Xavier Porte Parera - University of Strathclyde, UK Neuromorphic Computing Centre
  • Shirin Dora - Computer Science Department, Loughborough University
  • Giulia Marcucci - CEO of LumiAIres Ltd
  • Robin Rainier (Coordinator) - Emergent Photonics Research Centre, Loughborough University

Early Career Researchers Committee

  • Dr Luana Olivieri, Loughborough University
  • Dr Antonio Cutrona, Loughborough University
  • Dr Luke Peters, Loughborough University
  • Matthew Wilson, University of Strathclyde
  • Aisha Kanwal , University of Strathclyde
  • Fatima Khanom, Aston University
  • Luca Calçado, Aston University
  • Dr Andrew Cooper, Loughborough University
  • Dimitars Jevtics, University of Strathclyde
  • Aadithya Suresh, OPTICA Student Chapter President, Loughborough University
  • Abhishek Paul, OPTICA Student Chapter Vice-president, Loughborough University
  • Jordan Mcconnell, Loughborough University

We acknowledge the support of OPTICA and Dr Jon Pugh (Director, Photonic Integrated Circuits and Quantum Technologies) for the organisation of the Discussion Panel “Optica x NEXT-AI Startups“. 

Register now

Registration page

Why attend:

  • Hear from leading researchers and industry experts
  • Participate in interdisciplinary sessions on photonics, electronics, AI/ML, and more
  • Engage with networking receptions, poster sessions, and a conference dinner
  • Discover opportunities for collaboration and funding

Registration Details

  • Register for the workshop via the link above or at the page: https://next-ai.tech/register
  • The early-bird registration fee of £200 is available until 28th February, after this time the standard registration fee of £250 applies.
  • There is no cost to attend for PhD students and some other categories of attendees (please check the details on the registration page for eligibility).

Register today to secure your place and join the community shaping the future of neuromorphic AI.

Gold Sponsors

Quick links

8 - 10 April 2026

Emergent Photonics Research Centre
Loughborough University
Loughborough, LE11 3TU

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