Sam Altman Confirms Backing Brain-Computer Interface Startup Rivaling Neuralink

TLDR

• Sam Altman plans to back a new brain-computer interface startup rivaling Neuralink.

• The startup, Merge Labs, is valued at $850 million and is in early fundraising stages.

• Altman discusses the future of AI and hardware, including ChatGPT’s potential in brain interfaces.

• OpenAI aims to build new AI devices and networks, exploring new hardware and acquisitions.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has confirmed that the company plans to support a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup that will directly compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. The announcement came during a conversation with Alex Heath of The Verge, where Altman shared details of OpenAI’s growing interests in hardware and future AI applications.

Altman mentioned that the new venture would be focused on exploring neural interfaces. He expressed enthusiasm for the potential of such technologies, stating, “I would like to be able to think something and have ChatGPT respond to it.” This comment highlights OpenAI’s focus on expanding its AI capabilities beyond traditional platforms like ChatGPT, into more advanced, direct brain-to-AI interactions.

Merge Labs: The New BCI Startup Backed by OpenAI

OpenAI’s investment will reportedly go toward Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup valued at around $850 million. Although the company has not officially launched yet, it is already in the early stages of fundraising, with significant backing from OpenAI’s ventures arm.

This new startup could present a major challenge to Neuralink, which has been working on developing similar BCI technologies for years.

Merge Labs aims to make brain-computer interfaces more accessible, bringing advanced neural technology to the forefront of AI research. The startup’s goal is to enable smoother integration of human brains with artificial intelligence, facilitating the direct transmission of thoughts and commands to AI systems. While still in its infancy, Merge Labs is poised to become a competitor to Neuralink in the rapidly evolving BCI sector.

ChatGPT’s Growth and OpenAI’s Hardware Ambitions

Altman also discussed the rapid expansion of ChatGPT, which has seen its weekly active users rise to 700 million, making it the fifth most-visited website globally. OpenAI continues to invest in its AI models, with the recent launch of GPT-5, which boasts improved capabilities in coding, writing, and visual perception.

However, Altman is not solely focused on software advancements. OpenAI is also making strides in hardware development.

The company is working with former Apple designer Jony Ive on a new AI device, which Altman has described as something worth waiting for. This AI device is expected to offer innovative features that could redefine user experiences in AI-powered interactions.

Future of AI and Brain-Computer Interfaces

With the development of BCI technology, OpenAI’s potential contributions could significantly alter the landscape of artificial intelligence. Altman’s vision includes a future where AI can seamlessly interact with the human brain, making applications like ChatGPT more intuitive and responsive to mental commands.

The integration of AI with BCI could pave the way for new forms of human-AI collaboration, impacting industries ranging from healthcare to entertainment.

Additionally, OpenAI is exploring new acquisitions and partnerships that could further strengthen its position in the AI and BCI space. There are reports that OpenAI may consider a bid for Chrome if Google is forced to sell it due to antitrust concerns. This reflects OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to diversify its portfolio and enhance its capabilities, both in terms of software and hardware.