Sam Altman is stepping into the brain-computer interface arena by co-founding Merge Labs. According to the Financial Times, this venture aims to develop advanced brain-to-computer interfaces and may even have the backing of OpenAI. Although discussions are still in their early days, the startup is already pegged at around $850 million.
Merge Labs isn’t going it alone. The startup is teaming up with Alex Blania, known for his eye-scanning digital ID project, Tools for Humanity, to build a technology that could rival Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Neuralink, established in 2016, has been busy refining brain-implant technology, recently securing $600 million in Series E funding and reaching a valuation of $9 billion.
Silicon Valley has long been fascinated by the idea of a technological singularity—a moment when artificial intelligence might surpass human intellect. Altman, who’s previously discussed the notion of ‘The Merge’, believes we’re nearing the point of creating our own successors. This perspective stands in sharp contrast to the well-documented friction with Musk, which has only grown since Musk left OpenAI in 2018, sparking a series of public disputes.
While an official announcement of Merge Labs is still on the horizon, it’s clear that Altman is ready to push the envelope in tech innovation.
