How to Build a Brain (Sort of) | Overview of Neuromorphic Computing

Come learn what neuromorphic computing really means—beyond the buzzwords—and explore its historical roots in the field of AI, starting with the work of Carver Mead, who coined the term neuromorphic engineering.
We’ll cover different approaches to brain-inspired computing, including:

• Analog / Biological Modeling: Inspired by how real neurons behave, pioneered by Mead and his students.
• Purely Digital Parallelism: A modern take on neuromorphic design that draws from but differs significantly from projects like MIT’s Thinking Machines.
• Generalized Architectures: How these principles can apply not just to neural networks but to broader classes of algorithms and system designs.

The session will touch on both foundational research and personal experience working in this space, and we’ll share practical advice for anyone looking to get started in neuromorphic systems—from relevant papers to suggested first projects.

Presented by: Furqaan Afzal

Open Q&A and discussion encouraged—come curious.

Info
Austin Deep Learning Journal Club is group for committed machine learning practitioners and researchers alike. The group typically meets every first Tuesday of each month to discuss research publications. The publications are usually the ones that laid foundation to ML/DL or explore novel promising ideas and are selected by a vote. Participants are expected to read the publications to be able to contribute to discussion and learn from others. This is also a great opportunity to showcase your implementations to get feedback from other experts.

Sponsors:
Thank you to Capital Factory for sponsoring Austin Deep Learning. Capital Factory is the center of gravity for entrepreneurs in Texas. They meet the best entrepreneurs in Texas and introduce them to their first investors,
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