Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI and the ChatGPT project, announced the launch of a new technology startup called Merge Labs. The company will focus on creating a fundamentally new brain-computer interface.
The key distinguishing feature of Merge Labs’ development is its non-invasive nature. Unlike solutions like Neuralink, this technology does not involve surgery or implanting devices into brain tissue. It is planned that a special chip will interact with neurons at the molecular level, and data will be transmitted via ultrasound signals. According to Altman, the team already has scientific results confirming the feasibility of this approach.
The project has received financial support from major market players. OpenAI was the most significant investor, investing $250 million at a total valuation of $850 million. Other participants in the round included Bain Capital and Valve co-founder Gabe Newell. The founders of Merge Labs believe that such neural interfaces could radically change the way humans interact with artificial intelligence.
Despite the large investment, it could be a long time before a commercial product is available – experts say it could take years or even decades. Currently, the company is focused on fundamental research and is already testing the technology on patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Investor interest underscores the growing expectations surrounding the neurotechnology market.
Sam Altman previously stated that he is not ready to install implants in his own brain, but he is inspired by the idea of an interface where a single thought is enough to elicit a response from ChatGPT. He has also repeatedly expressed a desire to create AI capable of storing and analyzing a person’s entire life experience.
Meanwhile, competing companies are also actively developing neural interfaces. In October 2025, Elon Musk’s Neuralink began clinical trials of an implant that converts thoughts into text. The technology is primarily aimed at helping people with severe speech impairments.
By 2030, Neuralink plans to expand the use of its chips to healthy users. This is expected to allow for thought-based control of digital devices and even telepathic communication with chatbots—faster than normal speech.
We previously reported that ChatGPT has learned to change its personality.
To be continued…
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