Recently, Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup co-founded by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has officially stepped out of stealth mode. According to AIbase, this research laboratory dedicated to connecting biological intelligence with artificial intelligence has successfully completed a $250 million seed round, with a valuation of $850 million. In this round, OpenAI was the lead investor and provided the largest single investment.
Differing from Neuralink, Elon Musk's company, which uses surgical implantation, Merge Labs has chosen a non-invasive technical approach. The company plans to connect neurons using "molecules" instead of electrodes and aims to transmit and receive neural signals through deep modalities such as ultrasound. This technological vision seeks to scale the connection of neurons, not only helping humans regain lost physiological abilities but also expanding human perception and imagination.
The team at Merge Labs is highly qualified. In addition to Altman, the founding members include Alex Blania, CEO of the World Coin developer, as well as researchers from top academic institutions such as Caltech.
Altman's interest in brain-computer interfaces has been longstanding. He once predicted that humans would achieve integration with machines between 2025 and 2075. In his view, facing the potential emergence of "super AI" with computational power far exceeding that of humans, achieving human-machine integration is an effective way for humans to avoid being marginalized and ensure long-term survival. Through Merge Labs, he aims to build a bridge between biological intelligence and digital intelligence, even though this evolutionary process still appears full of challenges and mystery at this stage.
Key Points:
🧠 Funding Scale: Merge Labs has completed a $250 million seed round, with OpenAI as the largest investor, and the company's valuation has reached $850 million.
📡 Technical Approach: Unlike Neuralink's surgical implantation method, this laboratory focuses on non-invasive technology, planning to connect neurons using molecules and ultrasound.
🛡️ Strategic Vision: Altman believes that human-machine integration is the core strategy to counter future "super AI" threats and ensure humanity is not left behind in evolution.
