Open-Source Deep Learning Platform dedicated to Embedded Hardware and Europe (NEUROKIT2E)

Project runtime: 1.1.2023 to 31.12.2026

The NEUROKIT2E project aims at developing a Deep Learning Platform for Embedded Hardware in the realm of an established European value chain (providing AI hardware and software). This open-source platform will provide the necessary tools for Europe to be on the same level as its US and Chinese competitors and take the lead on a competitive aspect (still less developed but will quickly prove to be essential): Embedded AI.

Project goals

NEUROKIT2E targets to serve European industry needs as a priority, enabling easy and fast Neural Network design, optimization, and implementation on constrained hardware targets. This challenging development will be powered using N2D2 platform (for Neural Network Design & Deployment), developed by CEA, Coordinator of NEUROKIT2E, for the exploration and development of AI applications, and embed specific hardware components from European players such as NX, ST, GML and all members of the NEUROKIT2E consortium.
NEUROKIT2E will provide essential outcomes such as the end of the dependence of EU stakeholders to US and Chinese tools, the valorisation of EU hardware technologies, the benchmark of hardware and architectures before implementation to ensure the success of embedded AI in devices from energy consumption to sparse resources exploitation, the capacity to overcome the heterogeneity of components through a single, open, sovereign platform while ensuring reliability, safety, and transparency.
The NEUROKIT2E framework will impact the AI landscape as the first one dedicated to embedded AI and will position EU stakeholders in this key market. The NEUROKIT2E consortium relies on 5 EU countries experienced in hardware and software activities – France, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, and Italy – with a balance between private and public research.

Funding body

Key Digital Technologies Joint Undertaking, under the powers delegated by the European Commission

Cooperation partners

Commissariat a l Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA, France)
Nanoxplore (France)
Thales (France)
Dolphin Design SAS (France)
Kompai Robotics (France)
Stitching Imec Nederland (Netherlands)
Technische Universiteit Delft (Netherlands)
Almende BV (Netherlands)
Silicon Austria Labs GmbH (Austria)
Spiki GmbH (Austria)
Tttech Auto AG (Austria)
STMicroelectronics SRL (Italy)
Deepsensing S.R.L. (Italy)

High Technology Systems HTS SRL (Italy)
Fondazione Bruno Kessler (Italy)
Unversità Degli Studi di Catania (Italy)
Unversità Degli Studi di Palermo (Italy)
Unversità Degli Studi di Messina (Italy)
Sensiry BV (Netherlands)
Frauenhoder Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung EV (Germany)
Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)
Codasip GmbH (Germany)
Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senfternberg (Germany)
Sorama BV (Netherlands)

Research areas

Digital Innovation and Transformation

Inclusive, Social and Secure Society

Sustainable Development Goals of the UNO

Quality Education

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Competence Centers

Vienna Institute for Safety and Systems Engineering

Head of project

FH-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Heimo Hirner

Head of Research Center AI, Software and Safety; Deputy Head of Degree Programs Computer Science and Digital Communications
+43 1 606 68 77-2140
heimo.hirner@fh-campuswien.ac.at