OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is starting a brain-computer interface company
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has co-founded Merge Labs, a new startup aiming to let people control devices with their thoughts—no brain surgery required, aiming for a non-invasive approach.
Using ultrasound and gene therapy, their non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) is still in early development.
They're looking to raise $250 million, with backing from OpenAI's venture fund.
The tech is based on research from Caltech
Merge Labs is building on Caltech research by Mikhail Shapiro, who found that genetically tweaked neurons can respond to ultrasound.
This lets the BCI read brain activity safely through sound waves instead of wires or implants.
The team includes Alex Blania and Shapiro himself—both known for pushing boundaries in neural tech.
Merge Labs's non-invasive approach could make mind-controlled tech safer
Unlike Neuralink and other competitors that use invasive brain implants, Merge Labs's approach could make mind-controlled tech much safer and more accessible.
The catch? It'll need to match the precision of implant-based systems before it goes mainstream—but if it works, this could be a game-changer for how we connect brains and machines.