NSF organoid research projects:

The awardees and summary of each project are listed below:

Integrated Human Brain Organoid Systems for Adaptive Reservoir Computing, University of Michigan — By combining neuromorphic computing theory and bioethical research, this project aims to advance neuromorphic computing capabilities by developing bioengineered organoid systems inspired by the human brain’s structure and function.

Implantation of Dense Associative Memory through CArdiac muscle cell-based Reprogrammable Bio-Oscillatory Neural Networks, University of Notre Dame — This project intends to construct reprogrammable bio-oscillator neural networks using cardiac muscle cells, providing a new synergistic approach to creating high-density and energy-efficient computing platforms.

Reservoir Computer - Intelligent and Evolving Mechano-Reservoir Computing with Living Spheroids on Fibers, Virginia Tech — By harnessing the capabilities of 3D cell cultures on fiber networks, this project aims to develop a living reservoir computer that can learn, adapt and physically evolve, enabling high-efficiency networked computing.

Neuron-Soft Organoid-Computer Interfaces for Long-Term Three-Dimensional Neural Network Computing, Harvard University —By integrating AI, neuron-soft bioelectronics and bioethical research, this project aims to create a bio-symbiotic system that mimics the scalability, adaptability and efficiency of biological neural networks capable of performing long-term, complex computational tasks.

Spatiotemporal Learning in 3D Neuronal Organoids, University of Maryland — This project intends to develop and characterize spatiotemporally patterned computational networks in neuronal organoids, which can be extended to more complex system and enable high-efficiency networked computing.

Feasibility of 3D Biological Neurocomputers for Intelligent Biomedical Motor Control Systems, University of California, Irvine — This project aims to bioengineer 3D neural networks capable of interacting with and interpreting brain signals that underlie human motor control systems to advance the field of biocomputing and ultimately restore lost neurological functions.

Teaching non-brain organoids how to think: Programmable organoid intelligence using neuronal networks implemented by gene circuits, Massachusetts Institute of Technology — By embedding cells that contain engineered neuronal networks, this project will develop liver organoids with functional intelligence that learn and adapt to toxins and infections in their environment.

Information provided by the National Science Foundation.