AI for Productive Research & Innovation in eLectronics (APRIL) Hub
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Engineering
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is undergoing an era of explosive growth. With increasingly capable AI agents such as chatGPT, AlphaFold, Gato and DALL-E capturing the public imagination, the potential impact of AI on modern society is becoming ever clearer for all to see. APRIL is a project that seeks to bring the benefits of AI to the electronics industry of the UK. Specifically, we aspire developing AI tools for cutting development times for everything from new, fundamental materials for electronic devices to complicated microchip designs and system architectures, leading to faster, cheaper, greener and overall, more power-efficient electronics.
Imagine a future where extremely complex and intricate material structures, far more complex than what a human could design alone, are optimised by powerful algorithms (such as an AlphaFold for semiconductor materials). Or consider intelligent machines with domain-specialist knowledge (think of a Gato-like system trained on exactly the right milieu of skills) experimenting day and night with manufacturing techniques to build the perfect electronic components. Or yet what if we had algorithms trained to design circuits by interacting with an engineer in natural language (like a chatGPT with specialist knowledge)? Similar comments could be made about systems that would take care of the most tedious bits of testing and verifying increasingly complex systems such as mobile phone chipsets or aircraft avionics software, or indeed for modelling and simulating electronics (both potentially achievable by using semi-automated AI coders such as
Google's "PaLM" model). This is precisely the cocktail of technologies that APRIL seeks to develop.
In this future, AI - with its capabilities of finding relevant information, performing simple tasks when instructed to do so and its incredible speed - would operate under the supervision of experienced engineers for assisting them in creating electronics suited to an ever-increasing palette of requirements, from low-power systems to chips manufactured to be recyclable to ultra-secure systems for handling the most sensitive and private data. To achieve this, APRIL brings together a large consortium of universities, industry and government bodies, working together to develop: i) the new technologies of the future, ii) the tools that will make these technologies a reality and very importantly, iii) the people with the necessary skills (for building as well as using such new tools) to ensure that the UK remains a capable and technologically advanced player in the global electronics industry.
Imagine a future where extremely complex and intricate material structures, far more complex than what a human could design alone, are optimised by powerful algorithms (such as an AlphaFold for semiconductor materials). Or consider intelligent machines with domain-specialist knowledge (think of a Gato-like system trained on exactly the right milieu of skills) experimenting day and night with manufacturing techniques to build the perfect electronic components. Or yet what if we had algorithms trained to design circuits by interacting with an engineer in natural language (like a chatGPT with specialist knowledge)? Similar comments could be made about systems that would take care of the most tedious bits of testing and verifying increasingly complex systems such as mobile phone chipsets or aircraft avionics software, or indeed for modelling and simulating electronics (both potentially achievable by using semi-automated AI coders such as
Google's "PaLM" model). This is precisely the cocktail of technologies that APRIL seeks to develop.
In this future, AI - with its capabilities of finding relevant information, performing simple tasks when instructed to do so and its incredible speed - would operate under the supervision of experienced engineers for assisting them in creating electronics suited to an ever-increasing palette of requirements, from low-power systems to chips manufactured to be recyclable to ultra-secure systems for handling the most sensitive and private data. To achieve this, APRIL brings together a large consortium of universities, industry and government bodies, working together to develop: i) the new technologies of the future, ii) the tools that will make these technologies a reality and very importantly, iii) the people with the necessary skills (for building as well as using such new tools) to ensure that the UK remains a capable and technologically advanced player in the global electronics industry.
Organisations
- University of Edinburgh (Lead Research Organisation)
- ST Microelectronics (Collaboration)
- Intel Corporation (Collaboration)
- Cadence Design Systems (Collaboration)
- Pragmatic Semiconductor (Project Partner)
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (Project Partner)
- Cadence Design Systems Ltd (Project Partner)
- Jeol UK Ltd (Project Partner)
- Intel Corporation (UK) Ltd (Project Partner)
- Samsung Corp (Project Partner)
- Park Systems UK Limited (Project Partner)
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (Project Partner)
- Cirrus Logic (UK) (Project Partner)
- Ansys UK Ltd (Project Partner)
- Tessolve (Project Partner)
- BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre (Project Partner)
- Siemens Digital Industries Software - TX (Project Partner)
- The Mathworks Ltd (Project Partner)
- Keysight Technologies (International) (Project Partner)
- THALES UK LIMITED (Project Partner)
- Leonardo (Project Partner)
- Siemens (Germany) (invalid org) (Project Partner)
- ST Microelectronics Limited (UK) (Project Partner)
- Arc Instruments (Project Partner)
- AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) UK (Project Partner)
- Synopsys (Northern Europe Ltd.) (Project Partner)
- Broadex Technologies UK Ltd (Project Partner)
- Embecosm Ltd. (Project Partner)
- Mind Foundry (Project Partner)
Publications
Gaurav A
(2025)
Neural ordinary differential equations for predicting the temporal dynamics of a ZnO solid electrolyte FET
in Journal of Materials Chemistry C
| Title | APRIL and the Tower of Techport |
| Description | As a hub, we are committed to engaging with young people through our youth outreach program to educate and inspire a future generation of engineers. As part of our youth outreach, we have worked alongside a children's book author and illustrator, Ramya Julian, to develop an educational book for primary school children. As of February 2025, we have disseminated approximately 3000 books to schools, universities and libraries across the UK. Initially, we began distributing the book to local schools in Edinburgh and after receiving positive feedback, we expanded our reach across the UK. In collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the UK Electronic Skills Foundation (UKESF), we will distribute the book to approximately 400 partner schools across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. To further our reach, we are also looking to export the book aboard with the support from partnered with organisations in Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Once we have secured funding, our partners will translate the book in their language and disseminate the book throughout Europe. Public engagement has played a central role in raising awareness about responsible AI. The hub's children's book introducing AI concepts has reached students across the UK, fostering early interest in AI and technology. The hub's children's book exemplifies EDI in action by making STEM education accessible to a wide audience. |
| Type Of Art | Creative Writing |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | We have been collecting qualitative feedback from schools to measure impact amongst students but to also gain some valuable feedback from teachers and school staff. Responses from teachers: 'A great way to introduce children to the concept of AI'. 'The illustrations were bright and inviting and the pupils were keen to pick up the book as the front cover excited them'. 'As a teacher, I liked the techniques within the book like rhyme, alliteration and plays on words. 'USB - sea' These things promoted conversation and added to the lesson'. 'Pleased to see the thoughtful illustrations on a complex topic, accessible for children of different abilities. Excellent work!'. We have also sent copies of the book to the Head of STEM Education at the Queen's University Belfast who commented that there is 'very high academic content presented in appropriate language and content for upper primary'. The book has now become a recommended educational resource for teachers undertaking primary STEM education development courses. |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/posts/april-hub_nationalstorytellingweek-stemeducation-aiforgood-activity-7... |
| Description | Google DeepMind Research Ready programme |
| Amount | £69,016 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | GDMRR-2425-1-156 |
| Organisation | Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2024 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Cadence |
| Organisation | Cadence Design Systems |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Helping Cadence develop tools to meet the ever increasing demand for memory, specifically ReRAM combined with CMOS. Give access to the latest EDA design suites (licences) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Attended the Annual industrial meeting and provided guidance on the research (how to incorporate our design rules/kits into their standard kits). |
| Impact | We have developed memristor/ReRAM models in Verilog-A formats that can easily be accessed via the Cadence design suite. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Intel Labs Europe |
| Organisation | Intel Corporation |
| Department | Intel Ireland |
| Country | Ireland |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Working with Intel to develop embedded applications and driving innovation in this remit. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Intel have agreed to take part in the advisory meetings, provide technical consultancy for an estimated 30 days over the lifetime of the grant. |
| Impact | TBC |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | PhD Studentships |
| Organisation | ST Microelectronics |
| Department | STMicroelectronics (United Kingdom) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Working with ST Microelectronics to develop AI-driven solutions to enhance their manufacturign processes and accelerate their product innovation. |
| Collaborator Contribution | ST microelectronics have agreed to fund sudentships and take part in the advisory meetings |
| Impact | TBC |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | APRIL AI Hub Online Launch event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We launched the APRIL Hub through an engaging online event attended by 167 participants. Over the course of one hour, the pillar leads presented their respective pillars, showcasing innovative approaches to AI-powered electronics design and highlighting various engagement opportunities. The event fostered awareness and enthusiasm for the APRIL Hub's potential, sparking interest among the general public. Participants expressed keen interest in collaborating and leveraging the Hub to drive progress and leadership in the electronics sector. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/posts/april-hub_ai-semiconductors-materialsinnovation-activity-724762372657... |
| Description | APRIL AI Summit 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The event was attended by 150+ academic and industrial researchers, policymakers and engineers. It was a productive and engaging event where academics and industry were given the opportunity to collaborate and network. Now, we will focus on reviewing the challenges highlighted and the feedback gathered to develop an action plan going forward for the Hub. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/posts/april-hub_aprilhubuk-aprilaihub-universityofedinburgh-activity-727229... |
| Description | APRIL and the Tower of Techport |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The hub published a children's book that introduces AI and electronics concepts, distributed to students across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and highlighted as a valuable STEM education resource. With captivating rhyming stories, vibrant graphics, dyslexia-friendly design, and elements of signlanguage, this book is designed to inspire and educate the next generation in an engaging way. The children's book was distributed to over 400 schools across the UK in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) and UKESF. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/posts/themis-prodromakis-6702a61b_aprilaihubsummit-aprilaihub-ukri-activity... |
| Description | Lunch & Learn |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | fortnight online talks to hear from our guest speakers who will provide insights into emerging areas of AI research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/april-ai-hub-lunch-and-learns-tickets-1139809975319?aff=oddtdtcreator |