OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly co-founding a new brain-computer interface startup called Merge Labs. The company aims to take on Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a leader in the emerging neurotechnology space.
According to the Financial Times, Merge Labs could be valued at $850 million. Funding may come largely from OpenAI’s ventures team, although talks are still early and terms could change.
What is Merge Labs?
Merge Labs will focus on developing brain-to-computer interface technology. This tech allows humans to interact directly with devices using neural signals.
Altman is reportedly collaborating with Alex Blania, CEO of Tools for Humanity — the company behind the eye-scanning World ID project that verifies human identity.
A New Rival for Neuralink
Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, is developing implantable chips for the brain. The goal is to help people with severe paralysis control devices using their thoughts.
Key Neuralink facts:
- Currently in human trials for patients with paralysis.
- Raised $600 million in Series E funding in June.
- Valued at $9 billion.
Merge Labs’ mission appears similar, potentially putting it head-to-head with Neuralink in a high-stakes race to merge humans with machines.
The Bigger Vision — The Singularity
The concept of “the singularity” refers to a point where technology and humans merge, or when AI surpasses human intelligence.
Musk has often used the term in AI discussions. Altman has also explored the idea, writing in a 2017 blog post:
“Although the merge has already begun, it’s going to get a lot weirder. We will be the first species ever to design our own descendants.”
Both leaders see merging technology with humans as key to the future — though their relationship has soured since Musk left OpenAI in 2018.
A Growing Rivalry
Tensions between Altman and Musk are no secret. Just this week, they clashed on X, trading accusations over platform manipulation and honesty.
If Merge Labs moves forward, it could reignite this rivalry — but this time in the realm of neurotechnology.
Key Takeaways
- Merge Labs is a new brain-computer interface startup reportedly co-founded by Sam Altman.
- May be valued at $850M with possible funding from OpenAI Ventures.
- Will compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which is in human trials.
- Neuralink is valued at $9B and focuses on helping paralyzed patients control devices by thought.
- Both projects tie into the long-debated idea of the singularity.
- Early talks mean details could still change before an official announcement.