Sam Altman’s New Brain-Computer Interface Startup, Merge Labs, Challenges Elon Musk’s Neuralink in AI Revolution Race

In the burgeoning realm of brain-computer interface technology, Sam Altman is reportedly establishing a start-up named Merge Labs. Unnamed sources tell Financial Times that this venture could potentially secure significant funding from OpenAI’s investment arm. The start-up’s valuation is anticipated to reach $850 million, though talks are still preliminary and the participation of OpenAI has yet to be confirmed.

Merge Labs is also rumored to collaborate with Alex Blania, who oversees Tools for Humanity, a digital identity project led by Altman. This venture is renowned for its eye-scanning technology that verifies human identity.

In this emerging field, Merge Labs will find itself in competition with Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which has made substantial progress in developing computer interface chips intended for brain implantation. Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, is currently conducting trials with individuals suffering from severe paralysis, aiming to enable them to control devices using their thoughts. In June, the company raised $600 million during its Series E funding round at a valuation of $9 billion.

The advancements made by Neuralink have the potential to revolutionize human interaction with technology, even reaching the threshold of what some call “the singularity.” This term describes a point when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, while a more classic definition refers to the merging of technology and humanity.

Back in 2017, Altman blogged about “The Merge,” positing that this convergence had already commenced and would only become increasingly peculiar. He cited research work he encountered at OpenAI, where Musk was still a co-founder at the time. However, since Musk’s departure from OpenAI in 2018, the relationship between these two tech leaders has reportedly deteriorated. This week, they exchanged public criticisms on X, with Altman accusing Musk of manipulation and Musk labeling Altman a liar.

As we await the formal announcement of Merge Labs, it is evident that Altman isn’t going to let Musk monopolize the development of such significant technology without competition.