TL;DR
OpenAI has participated in the $252 million seed round for Merge Labs, a startup co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman that aims to build non‑invasive brain‑computer interfaces. Merge says its approach uses molecules to interface with neurons and ultrasound for data transmission and envisions BCIs for both medical and broader consumer uses, though development could take decades.
What happened
OpenAI disclosed it is taking part in the seed funding of Merge Labs, a brain‑computer interface (BCI) startup co‑founded by OpenAI chief Sam Altman. The seed round totaled $252 million and included investors such as Bain Capital and Valve co‑founder Gabe Newell; OpenAI did not reveal the size of its own contribution. Merge describes a strategy that avoids implanted electrodes, aiming instead to interact with neurons via molecules and to transmit data using ultrasound, with the goal of making BCIs widely accessible beyond medical applications. Industry analysts and competitors are already pursuing both invasive and non‑invasive approaches, and market estimates cited in the coverage put U.S. BCI opportunity largely in medical care. The coverage also notes OpenAI's large planned infrastructure commitments and related activities, including a recent RFP for U.S. manufacturing partners and in‑house hardware efforts with Broadcom and designer Jony Ive.
Why it matters
- Signals convergence between advanced AI firms and neurotech startups, potentially accelerating human–machine interfaces.
- Merge’s non‑implant approach aims to broaden BCI access beyond current medically focused use cases.
- OpenAI’s financial and industrial commitments could steer hardware and supply‑chain developments relevant to BCIs.
- Investment highlights growing competition and investor interest in the long‑term commercial potential of brain interfaces.
Key facts
- OpenAI has participated in Merge Labs' $252 million seed round; the company did not disclose its specific investment amount.
- Merge Labs was co‑founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, according to the reporting.
- Other participants in the round included Bain Capital and Gabe Newell, co‑founder and CEO of Valve.
- Merge proposes interfacing with neurons using molecules rather than implanted electrodes and plans to transmit data by ultrasound to avoid tissue implantation.
- Merge says it intends to make BCIs available to a broad population, not solely for medical patients.
- Morgan Stanley estimated the U.S. total addressable market for BCIs at about $400 billion, primarily for medical applications, per the article.
- Competitors working on BCIs include Neuralink, Paradromics, Synaptrix Labs, and Synchron; both invasive and non‑invasive approaches are under development.
- Merge cautions development could take decades rather than years.
- OpenAI has announced large infrastructure commitments and issued an RFP seeking U.S. manufacturing partners; it is also developing silicon with Broadcom and a consumer device with input from Jony Ive.
- The Wall Street Journal projections cited in the coverage forecast OpenAI operating losses through 2028 with profitability projected in 2030.
What to watch next
- Any later disclosure of the exact size of OpenAI’s investment in Merge Labs — not confirmed in the source.
- Technical milestones from Merge around molecule‑based neuron interfacing and ultrasound data transmission, including validation and demos.
- Results of OpenAI’s vendor selection process for its manufacturing RFP, which the company expects to undertake by March 2027.
Quick glossary
- Brain‑computer interface (BCI): A technology that enables direct communication between the brain and external devices, used for medical assistive purposes and potential consumer applications.
- Seed round: An early stage of startup financing where investors provide capital to help a company develop its product and business model.
- Non‑invasive: Describes medical or interface approaches that do not require surgical implantation into the body’s tissues.
- Ultrasound data transmission: A method that uses high‑frequency sound waves to transfer information, proposed by some developers as an alternative to wired or implanted connections.
Reader FAQ
How much did OpenAI invest in Merge Labs?
OpenAI did not disclose the amount of its investment in the seed round.
Is Sam Altman involved with Merge Labs?
Yes. The reporting states Merge Labs was co‑founded by Sam Altman, who is CEO of OpenAI.
Will Merge’s BCIs be implant‑free?
Merge says it aims to avoid implanting hardware by using molecules to interface with neurons and ultrasound for data transmission.
How soon will consumer BCIs be available?
Merge concedes the effort could take decades rather than years; no nearer timeline for consumer availability is provided in the source.
AI + ML OpenAI invests in brain-interface biz co-founded by CEO Sam Altman Merge Labs envisions controlling devices using your brain – without implanting hardware in your body Thomas Claburn…
Sources
Related posts
- Grok undressed the mother of one of Elon Musk’s kids — and now she’s suing
- Control Claude Code permissions with cloud decision-table UIs
- AI labs see accelerating churn as staff jump between leading companies