OpenAI Backs Sam Altman’s Innovative Brain-Tech Firm Merge Labs with Major Investment

Los Angeles: OpenAI shared exciting news on Thursday. They are investing in a new startup called Merge Labs, which was co-founded by Sam Altman. This startup wants to create technology that links our brains to computers.

Merge Labs raised an amazing $252 million from OpenAI, Bain Capital, and video game maker Gabe Newell. Their goal is to use ultrasound to read and adjust brain activity without needing any implants.

Merge Labs is joining other companies like Elon Musk’s Neuralink that work on similar brain-computer technology. The name “Merge” comes from an idea where humans and machines blend into one. Altman has often talked about this concept. He has also invested in Neuralink, which raised $1.3 billion in funding.

Unlike Neuralink, Merge Labs plans not to put technology directly into the brain. They say, “We’re developing new technologies that connect to neurons using molecules rather than electrodes. We want to avoid brain implants.” Merge wants to create devices that mix biology, technology, and AI in a way that everyone can use.

AI will be essential for Merge’s work. High-bandwidth connections can benefit from AI that understands what users want and can work well even with noisy signals. OpenAI will help Merge Labs create scientific models and tools to speed up their progress.

Another startup, Synchron, has raised $345 million and is working with Nvidia to build brain models. These smart AI models will learn from a lot of brain data, making brain-computer interfaces better. Right now, these devices help paralyzed people move cursors or robotic arms, but they may be able to do more complex things with AI in the future.

Merge Labs came from Forest Neurotech, a nonprofit group that started in 2023. Some Merge cofounders are also linked to Forest. Forest will stay a nonprofit and work with Merge on projects.

The startup hasn’t announced exactly what projects they will focus on yet, but Forest’s interest in mental health and brain injuries might give some hints. They are testing a small ultrasound device in the UK.

Other companies, like Neuralink and Synchron, measure brain activity directly from neurons. In contrast, Merge Labs’ ultrasound device checks brain activity by looking at blood flow changes. So far, 12 people have had Neuralink implants and 10 have used Synchron’s device, which goes next to the brain rather than in it.

Besides Altman, Merge Labs’ team includes researchers and tech experts like Mikhail Shapiro, Tyson Aflalo, and Sandro Herbig. The company is also hiring for different jobs.