The IO+ week: computers that think like our own brains
Every Sunday, our weekly overview provides a summary of the most interesting stories about important innovations.
Published on October 12, 2025
Bart, co-founder of Media52 and Professor of Journalism oversees IO+, events, and Laio. A journalist at heart, he keeps writing as many stories as possible.
When a human brain performs complex reasoning, it consumes about 20 watts of power, which is roughly equivalent to the energy needed to light a dim light bulb. A supercomputer performing similar tasks requires millions of times more energy. This striking contrast is at the heart of a technological revolution currently taking shape in the Netherlands: neuromorphic computing, a field that designs chips and algorithms inspired by the way our brains process information.
The recently published Neuromorphic Computing Roadmap 2025, commissioned by Topsector ICT and coordinated with input from academia, industry, and government, describes how the Netherlands can convert its early lead into global leadership. “The Netherlands has all the building blocks to take the next step,” says Frits Grotenhuis, director of Topsector ICT. “By applying principles inspired by the functioning of the brain, we can make AI more sustainable, more efficient, and more applicable in areas such as defense, manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications.” Read more about this in our analysis of the report.
It is no coincidence that neuromorphic computing is one of the main themes of the conference we are organizing: Watt Matters in AI.
Watt Matters in AI
November 26, the day of our Watt Matters in AI conference, is fast approaching. Everything about the exorbitant energy consumption of AI systems, but above all: what solutions are there to prevent this from getting completely out of hand? Tickets are available via Watt Matters in AI. The line-up is becoming more impressive by the week:
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A selection of other highlights from this week:
- Third edition of Technology Voting Guide ready for use
- It's official: Groningen to receive millions for AI factory
- Blood test predicts how quickly Parkinson's disease will develop
- EU launches two strategies to accelerate the introduction of AI
- Biofuels: climate targets not met, study shows
- NXP boss looking for “Robots that think like ants and feel like superheroes”
- Production of military equipment starts at VDL in Born
- 14,000 companies waiting for power – BIC knows what is needed
- Voting with paper and pencil: time for an upgrade?
- Eline van Beest shows why the startup world needs more femininity
Enjoy your Sunday and don't forget that a new episode of IO+ Daily will be waiting for you tomorrow morning at 6:30 a.m. Get ready to hop on your bike!