Grant: Collaborative Research and Training Experience
Queen's University
$144,500.00
Network for Ultrafast Computing with Light on Emerging Unconventional Semiconductors (NUCLEUS)
EF 2024-25
Résumé
AI and quantum computing are the leading candidates for the future of computing. Photonics is the enabler that can advance both fields and has the power to reduce inequity in computing resources. The NSERC CREATE in Network for Ultrafast Computing with Light on Emerging Unconventional Semiconductors (NUCLEUS) aims to pioneer Canada's first formal training program in photonic computing. Bridging AI and quantum, NUCLEUS addresses the urgent demand for talent in photonic computing and advanced semiconductor technology. The global shortage in this sector is exacerbated by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act and the anticipation of the 2024 Canadian budget's alignment with CHIPS. Comprised of 11 esteemed professors from 6 universities, 16 industry allies, 20 global academic entities, and 4 government/national labs, the multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multisectoral NUCLEUS team uniquely sits at the intersection of photonics, AI, and quantum. NUCLEUS' curriculum revolves around three research pillars: Photonic/Quantum for AI; AI for Photonics/Quantum; and Photonic Cloud Computing & Accessibility. Integrating key technologies, experiential learning, and professional training, NUCLEUS will equip graduates for varied roles across academia and industry, encompassing every facet of photonic computing, from large-scale photonic circuit design fabrication, integration, and packaging to software tools, cloud computing, algorithms, and applications. Collaborating with equity-deserving groups (EDGs), NUCLEUS envisions a positive AI impact on essential issues. It aims to break barriers to photonic hardware access by democratizing photonic computing through a universally accessible photonic cloud platform. NUCLEUS is strategically important to the nation as it aligns with the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and Canada's National Quantum Strategy to support the growth of the intersection of these sectors. Trainees will benefit from an enriched learning environment, enhancing academia-industry collaborations, mobility, job readiness, and smooth integration into Canada's tech industry.
Programme
Collaborative Research and Training Experience
Bénéficiaire
Emplacement
Ontario, Canada
Type de bénéficiaire
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
Tel que publié
Application id
584830-2024
Name nom
Shastri, Bhavin BJ
Department département
Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy
Organization id
29
Institution établissement
Queen's University
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2024
Competition year année de concours
2024
Award amount
144500
Program id
CREAT
Program name en
Collaborative Research and Training Experience
Program name fr
Programme de formation orientée vers la nouveauté, la collaboration et l'expérience en recherche
Group en
RESEARCH TRAINING AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Group fr
FORMATION EN RECHERCHE ET PERFECTIONNEMENT DES COM
Committee code
1078
Committee name en
CREATE Program
Committee name fr
Programme FONCER
Area of application code
802
Area of application group en
Information and communication services
Area of application group fr
Services d'information et de télécommunications
Area of application en
Information systems and technology
Area of application fr
Systèmes d'information et technologie de l'information
Research subject code
3112
Research subject group en
Physics
Research subject group fr
Physique
Research subject en
Photonics
Research subject fr
Photonique
Field of research list names en
Not available
Field of research list names fr
Non disponible
Socioeconomic objective list names en
Not available
Socioeconomic objective list names fr
Non disponible
Application title
Network for Ultrafast Computing with Light on Emerging Unconventional Semiconductors (NUCLEUS)
Keywords
artificial intelligence; inverse design; machine learning; nanophotonics; neuromorphic photonics; optimization; photonic computing; photonic integrated circuits; quantum neural networks; silicon photonics
Application summary
AI and quantum computing are the leading candidates for the future of computing. Photonics is the enabler that can advance both fields and has the power to reduce inequity in computing resources. The NSERC CREATE in Network for Ultrafast Computing with Light on Emerging Unconventional Semiconductors (NUCLEUS) aims to pioneer Canada's first formal training program in photonic computing. Bridging AI and quantum, NUCLEUS addresses the urgent demand for talent in photonic computing and advanced semiconductor technology. The global shortage in this sector is exacerbated by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act and the anticipation of the 2024 Canadian budget's alignment with CHIPS. Comprised of 11 esteemed professors from 6 universities, 16 industry allies, 20 global academic entities, and 4 government/national labs, the multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multisectoral NUCLEUS team uniquely sits at the intersection of photonics, AI, and quantum. NUCLEUS' curriculum revolves around three research pillars: Photonic/Quantum for AI; AI for Photonics/Quantum; and Photonic Cloud Computing & Accessibility. Integrating key technologies, experiential learning, and professional training, NUCLEUS will equip graduates for varied roles across academia and industry, encompassing every facet of photonic computing, from large-scale photonic circuit design fabrication, integration, and packaging to software tools, cloud computing, algorithms, and applications. Collaborating with equity-deserving groups (EDGs), NUCLEUS envisions a positive AI impact on essential issues. It aims to break barriers to photonic hardware access by democratizing photonic computing through a universally accessible photonic cloud platform. NUCLEUS is strategically important to the nation as it aligns with the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and Canada's National Quantum Strategy to support the growth of the intersection of these sectors. Trainees will benefit from an enriched learning environment, enhancing academia-industry collaborations, mobility, job readiness, and smooth integration into Canada's tech industry.
