ZeroAMP is a project to develop a nanomechanical switch-based computing platform that will enable computing components with very high energy efficiency in harsh environmental conditions. Emerging applications such as the Internet-of-Things, all-electric vehicles and more-electric aircraft require electronics that can operate at high temperatures with very high energy efficiency. At the other end of the temperature spectrum superconducting quantum circuits operate at cryogenic temperatures (< 4K) when carrier freezeout in the classical control circuitry makes it a challenge to perform basic functions such as (de)multiplexing of qubits. We will demonstrate a field programmable gate array-like nanomechanical switch-based reprogrammable computing platform comprising logic and non-volatile memory to serve these emerging requirements. Our technology solution will use novel materials, switch designs and circuit techniques along with advanced 3D stacking for large-scale integration of the nanomechanical switching elements to achieve an energy efficiency and environmental capability that cannot be matched by CMOS or any experimental technologies currently on the horizon. ZeroAMP is an industry driven effort that involves three leading companies covering the entire semiconductor supply chain (MICROSEMI, XFAB and AMO), a leading research institute (CSEM), two top universities (University of Bristol and KTH) and an Exploitation Council with key European stakeholders across the different industries relevant to the technology. We cover the complete technology platform required for nanomechanical computing including 3D switch integration, design methodologies and packaging, as well as the entire supply chain with foundry partners and manufacturers. In summary, in ZeroAMP we will develop a novel nanoelectronic technology platform to deliver the first large-scale-integrated nanomechanical computing systems comprising a field programmable gate array and a non-volatile memory.

Distributed and networked gas sensing is increasingly important for industrial, safety and environmental monitoring applications. Optical nondispersive infrared (NDIR) gas sensors offer the highest sensitivity, stability and specificity in the market, but for most applications, the existing sensors are too bulky and expensive. To enable the broad utilization of high-performance gas sensor networks, there is a critical need for small, low-power and networked gas sensor systems. In ULISSES, we will develop an integrated multi- channel optical gas sensor system-on-a-chip (SoC) and demonstrate its capability to detect three gases simultaneously. Furthermore, we will develop the networking technology required to bring these SoCs onto the Internet of Things (IoT). We will implement a new edge-computed self-calibration algorithm that leverages node-to-node communications to eliminate the main cost driver of low-cost gas sensor fabrication and maintenance (the calibration). Finally, ULISSES will deliver the wafer-scale mass production methods necessary to enable production volumes of millions of sensors per year, and thus provide an order of magnitude reduction of sensor module cost. By leveraging recent breakthroughs of the ULISSES partners on waveguide integrated 2D materials-based photodetectors, 1D nanowire mid-IR emitters, and mid-IR waveguide-based gas sensing using MEMS-tunable filters, we target a three-order-of-magnitude reduction in sensor power consumption, thus permitting maintenance-free battery powered operation for the first time. Between the participants, we cover the full range of competences required for the task. The market for low cost IoT gas sensors is in its infancy, but at a 7.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) it is lucrative enough for players with older less specific gas sensor technologies to fight for gaining a first mover advantage. Thus, the window of opportunity for a new disruptive entry into this market is rapidly closing.

Energy is a vital need of humanity and a primary indicator a of nations’ growth. However, most energy sources we use have low efficiency, rely on non-renewable resources and cause severe damage to the environment. The cleanest resource, and the one which offers virtually unlimited energy is the sun. However, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, current solar photovoltaics (PV) produce little more than 2% of the world’s electricity. This low output is primarily resulting from two factors: current commercial solar PV cells have approximately 15-20% efficiency, and the price of a 1m2 is around €400. GreEnergy aims to develop a wideband optical antenna array with very high efficiency. The GreEnergy device will integrate the energy-harvesting component in a self-powering nano-system. A prototype of the integrated components will be developed incorporating nano-optical antennas with nano-rectifiers (rectennas) and a micro-energy storage component. Fabrication of all components will be developed with the aim of integration on a single microchip in a single fabrication process. To ensure success of the rectennas development, we will use a risk mitigation plan by dual research teams using both graphene and metal-insulator-metal based solutions to achieve rectenna prototypes (TRL4). Simulations will provide full system level circuitry, act as a benchmark of the proof of concept design (TRL3) and culminate in road mapping for future full-scale development and commercialization. Within GreEnergy, the targeted efficiency of the overall system is 20-40%, while the theoretical efficiency is over 90%, at an estimated system cost below €100 per 1m2. Such a technology would fundamentally change solar energy harvesting and have dramatic effects on consumers, society, economic growth and the environment. Further, demonstration of the system provides a proof-of-concept backbone for numerous future micro/nano-systems such as IoT and nano-sensor applications.