NEXT-AI 2026

NEUROMORPHIX TECHNOLOGIES FOR FUTURE AI

Loughborough University, 8-10 April 2026

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Full Programme Available

Attendee Pack and Programme
Abstracts Booklet

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 

Sir Nevill Mott Lecture 2026

Precision Materials Science of Functional Oxide Thin Films

Prof. Judith MacManus-Driscoll FRS — University of Cambridge
Thursday 9 April | 18:30–19:30 | Holywell Park Conference Centre

The Sir Nevill Mott Lecture honours the legacy of the Nobel Prize-winning physicist and celebrates excellence in condensed matter and materials science. This year’s lecture is delivered by Prof. Judith MacManus-Driscoll FRS, a world leader in functional oxide thin films and one of the most cited materials scientists in the UK.

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

Getting Here

Holywell Park Conference Centre is easily accessible by train, car, and air.

Train

Loughborough mainline station is 3 miles from the venue. Direct services run from London St Pancras (approx. 90 minutes). The venue is a 10-minute taxi ride or 30-minute University Shuttle bus from the station.

Car

Leave junction 23 of the M1, take the A512 Ashby Road towards Loughborough, then turn right at the first roundabout into Holywell Way. Free parking is available on site — please register your vehicle at reception on arrival.

Air

East Midlands Airport is 8 miles away. Birmingham International Airport is also convenient via the M42.

Organisers

Central organisation team

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

Organisation and advisory committee

  • Prof. Sergey Saveliev - Dept. of Physics, Loughborough University
  • Prof. Alexander Balanov - Dept. of Physics, Loughborough University
  • Dr Ofonime Udoudo - Parnership Development Manager, Loughborough University
  • Phil Whitby - Parnership Development Associate, 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
  • Standard registration is £250. There is no cost to attend for PhD students and some other eligible categories — please check the registration page for details."

Registration closes 27 March 2026

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

Key Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

8 - 10 April 2026

Emergent Photonics Research Centre
Loughborough University
Loughborough, LE11 3TU

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