As part of the Erc Advanced 2023 grants, the European Union has selected the Hyperspim project, which will be funded with 2.5 million euros. The project selected by the European Research Council aims to realise a new generation of photonic computers. The optical computation on which it is based drastically reduces the power consumption and environmental impact of conventional computers, which is becoming unsustainable due to the significant energy resources required for machine learning.

Hyperspim uses laser beams and new algorithms developed by Claudio Conti, professor at the Department of Physics of Sapienza University of Rome, and his collaborators.

The project aims to outperform today's classical and quantum computers through innovative photonic technologies that can potentially process millions of qubits simultaneously, as opposed to the few hundred of existing technologies. These new optical computers will make it possible to tackle large-scale computational problems that affect everyday life, such as the development of new drugs or artificial intelligence, in an innovative and energy-efficient way.

The European research council provides funding for innovative research projects with high scientific impact, thus enhancing dynamism and creativity in European research. Grants are awarded to Principal Investigators (PIs) with internationally prominent curricula.