Neuromorphic Revolution: Patents Fueling the Future of Brain-Inspired Computing
By Ayana Marshall, PhD 

Neuromorphic chips and neuromorphic computing are innovative technologies that are promising to revolutionize the way information is processed. Inspired by the architecture and functioning of the human brain, the chips are designed to mimic neural networks, enabling faster, more efficient, and adaptive computing (Mead, 1990; Indiveri & Liu, 2015). The current landscape of neuromorphic chip development is explored through an analysis of patents and pending application data. 

The key players driving innovation in this field are included on the chart. 

• International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. have the most patents and pending applications, which are followed by Intel Corporation.

• The data also underscores the contributions of South Korean companies and institutions, such as SK Hynix Inc. and Seoul National University. 

• American corporations in this space include General Motors Company, Microchip Technology Inc., and Qualcomm, Inc. 

• Applied Brain Research Inc., a Canadian company, is also represented.

• European and Chinese institutions highlight the diverse range of international players working in the neuromorphic technology space. For example, the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) from France, and Tsinghua University and Peking University from China. 

• This distribution of patents and pending applications underscores the strategic importance of neuromorphic technology in companies across different regions. 

Neuromorphic Chips: A Snapshot of Key Developments 

1. Intel’s Loihi 2 Chip: Intel launched the Loihi 2 chip a few years ago, enhancing neuromorphic computing with better performance and scalability, alongside the new Lava software framework for AI applications (Intel Newsroom). More recently, Intel unveiled the largest-ever neuromorphic computer, Hala Point, which is powered by over one thousand Loihi 2 processors. Hala Point is designed to mimic the human brain by processing data through spiking neural networks while achieving massive energy efficiency and computational capacity for AI tasks (Hala Point). 

1. IBM’s Brain-Inspired Research: IBM is advancing brain-inspired computing, integrating neuromorphic chips into AI and cognitive systems, aiming to revolutionize industries like healthcare and finance (IBM Research Blog).

The chart provides a comparative analysis of key players in the neuromorphic chip industry, focusing on the Technological Diversity and Influence (measured by forward citations per patent) metrics.

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM): Leads in Tech Diversity with a score of 61.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.: Ranks in both Tech Diversity and Influence.
Tsinghua University: Has the highest average forward citations per patent (4.9).
General Motors Company: Notable for a high Influence score (3.6). 

Summarizing the Neuromorphic Chip Landscape 

The data analysis presented throughout this discussion has provided a view of the current landscape in neuromorphic chip innovation. IBM and Samsung Electronics stand out for the volume of their patent portfolios and broad technological diversity. The comparative analysis also highlighted the influence of Tsinghua University through its highly cited patents. Companies such as General Motors and Intel show a balance between technological diversity and influence. Overall, the analysis highlights both patent volume and technological diversity in neuromorphic chip innovation, with key players contributing through either technological breadth or influential patents. 

The data is sourced from the Harrity Analytics Patent Pulse™ Report on Neuromorphic Chips.  For more information about the Patent Pulse™ Report visit our website HERE, download a complimentary Patent Pulse Report HERE, or contact Harrity Analytics HERE.