JST🇯🇵-NWO🇳🇱 Jointly Research Projects under the ASPIRE Program
July 2026 - Mar. 2031
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Transforming Cryogenic Computing
with Brain-Like Oxide Quantum Phases
As quantum hardware evolves, the need for ultra-low-power, local signal processing at milli-Kelvin (mK) temperatures becomes critical. The Moiré Quantum Brain project pioneers a new computing paradigm by building a programmable "quantum brain"—a cryogenic physical reservoir that remembers, learns, and responds right next to quantum devices. This is a highly exciting Japanese–Dutch collaboration, bringing together the forefronts of quantum materials, oxide twistronics, ferroelectric superconductivity, and neuromorphic computing.Â
Because nurturing the next generation of research leaders is a core aim of the ASPIRE program, Dr. Hisashi Inoue, one of the most promising young researchers at AIST, has been appointed to serve as the Principal Investigator for the Japan side.
Join Our Team!
We are actively looking for passionate graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who would like to join this cutting-edge project. As part of our international synergy, you will have the unique opportunity to spend several months each year conducting research at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
About the Project
Why Do We Need a Quantum Brain?
Current quantum computers, sensors, and cryogenic detectors operate at ultra-low temperatures, but their signal processing and global control rely heavily on room-temperature electronics. This traditional architecture causes severe bottlenecks in wiring, heat dissipation, bandwidth, and latency. Our solution is to create a local, event-driven feedback layer operating directly at the cryogenic edge. Instead of emulating a human brain at room temperature, we are utilizing the nonlinear, complex dynamics of oxide quantum phases to build a highly energy-efficient "physical reservoir" capable of pattern recognition and low-latency feedback.
Core Technology
Our Unconventional Approach
Twisted Oxide Membranes (Twistronics)
Instead of conventional materials like graphene, we focus on complex oxides such as Nb-doped (Sr,Ba)TiO3. By stacking ultra-thin, freestanding crystalline layers with a slight twist angle, we create moiré superlattices. This unique twist generates localized quantum states, polar textures, and breaks inversion symmetry, providing a rich physical reservoir for computing.
Ferroelectric Josephson Junctions (FE-JJ) & e-SQUID
We are combining two physically conflicting properties: ferroelectricity and superconductivity. By utilizing these unique polar metal phases, we are developing Ferroelectric Josephson Junctions (FE-JJ) and electric-field-controlled SQUIDs (e-SQUID). These act as neuromorphic nodes that feature non-volatile memory, threshold dynamics, and electrical programmability without the crosstalk issues of traditional magnetic biasing.
Cryogenic Reservoir Computing
By linking these tunable FE-JJ/e-SQUID nodes, we aim to demonstrate a cryogenic physical reservoir. This system is designed to perform specific time-series processing tasks, such as estimating qubit states or classifying quantum sensor signals, paving the way for next-generation, highly efficient AI hardware.
Consortium
A Global Synergy: Japan-Netherlands Collaboration
Funded by the ASPIRE program (JST & NWO), our project brings together top researchers to seamlessly integrate material science, optical evaluation, device fabrication, and theoretical modeling.
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Japan Principal Investigator: Dr. Hisashi Inoue.
Leading the synthesis of high-quality single crystals, freestanding membrane transfer, twisted bilayer assembly, and cryogenic transport measurements.
University of Groningen (RUG)
The Netherlands Principal Investigator: Prof. Beatriz Noheda.
Providing world-class expertise in functional oxide evaluation, quantum transport, and neuromorphic device architecture.
Kyushu University
Japan Co-Principal Investigator: Prof. Sachiko Nakamura.
Probing the breaking of inversion symmetry and polar domains using advanced optical techniques like near-infrared SHG and nonlinear THz spectroscopy.
Nagoya Institute of Technology
Japan Research participant: Prof. Gouhei Tanaka.
Driving the mathematical evaluation, numerical simulation, and network design for cryogenic reservoir computing.
Funding & Support
Supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Dutch Research Council (NWO) under the ASPIRE Program on "Unconventional information processing technologies"
Contacts
Hisashi Inoue (Principal Investigator).
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