Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is reportedly venturing into the neural interface technology arena, setting the stage for a direct competition with Elon Musk's Neuralink. This move intensifies the existing rivalry between the two tech moguls, which began when Musk departed from OpenAI's board in 2018.
Altman is backing a new startup called Merge Labs, which aims to develop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) using advancements in artificial intelligence. The company's name, "Merge Labs," alludes to Altman's 2017 concept of "the merge," envisioning the convergence of human brains and computers. He predicted in a blog post that a "high-bandwidth brain-computer interface" could be developed soon, aided by recent technological advancements. Altman believes that this fusion of human and artificial intelligence will take place at some point between 2025 and 2075.
Merge Labs is reportedly seeking to raise $250 million, potentially valuing the company at $850 million. A significant portion of the funding is expected to come from OpenAI's ventures team. Altman will co-found the venture alongside Alex Blania, who is also the co-founder and CEO of Worldcoin, a digital identity project that uses eyeball-scanning technology. However, Altman is not expected to invest his personal funds in the business and is unlikely to be involved in its daily operations.
Merge Labs is considering an experimental gene therapy approach designed to alter brain cells. The company is also exploring the development of an ultrasound device that can be implanted on the head and then used to sense and control the activity of modified brain cells.
Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has already made significant strides in the BCI field. In January 2024, Neuralink conducted its first human trials, implanting its technology in Noland Arbaugh, who is quadriplegic. Arbaugh was able to control a computer cursor with his thoughts, allowing him to play chess and video games. Neuralink has since implanted its device in a second subject, who has reportedly been able to play FPS games and create 3D designs. Neuralink recently demonstrated how its brain-computer interface enables users to control video games, such as Mario Kart and Call of Duty, using only their minds. Musk aims to implant 20,000 people a year with Neuralink chips by 2031.
The BCI landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with several other companies vying for a piece of the market. Synchron, is further along in the clinical trial process than Neuralink. Other notable players include Precision Neuroscience, Blackrock Neurotech, BrainGate, Paradromics, MindMaze and INBRAIN Neuroelectronics. Blackrock Neurotech has implanted its chips in more than 30 people.
The development of BCIs raises ethical questions regarding human testing, consent, and the ultimate goals of this technology. There are concerns about the safety and potential risks associated with invasive brain surgery, as well as the long-term effects of implanting foreign devices in the brain. It is crucial to have careful clinical testing, ethical guardrails, and an FDA pathway before anything reaches broad use.
