Technologies are generally described for systems, devices and methods effective to accelerate memory access. A memory unit, including a memory and a programmable circuit, may be in communication with a processor executing a virtual machine. The memory unit may receive from the processor, a request to configure the programmable circuit in accordance with a program. The program may be associated with the virtual machine. The programmable circuit may be configured in accordance with the program. The programmable circuit may then be operated to perform one or more operations on data in the memory.