OpenAI's Shocking $100M Bet on Sam Altman's BCI Startup: What You NEED to Know NOW!

In a significant move that underscores the growing interest in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), OpenAI has invested in Merge Labs, a startup co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. This investment is part of a larger seed funding round that totaled approximately $250 million, valuing the company at around $850 million. OpenAI emerged as the largest single contributor to this funding, indicating its commitment to advancing this transformative technology.

Merge Labs, which describes itself as a research lab focused on integrating biological and artificial intelligence, officially came out of stealth mode this week. In a statement, OpenAI articulated its belief that progress in interfaces is fundamental to advancements in computing. They noted, “Each time people gain a more direct way to express intent, technology becomes more powerful and more useful.” This perspective highlights the potential of BCIs to revolutionize how humans interact with machines.

The startup aims to develop non-invasive technologies that can connect with neurons using molecules rather than traditional electrodes. Merge Labs intends to use innovative methods like ultrasound for transmitting and receiving information, which could lead to higher-bandwidth interfaces that are both safe and scalable. “Our individual experience of the world arises from billions of active neurons,” Merge Labs stated. “If we can interface with these neurons at scale, we could restore lost abilities, support healthier brain states, deepen our connection with each other, and expand what we can imagine and create alongside advanced AI.”

OpenAI plans to collaborate with Merge Labs on scientific foundation models and additional tools to support research in bioengineering, neuroscience, and device development. The collaboration aims to leverage artificial intelligence to interpret potentially limited or noisy brain signals, thus adapting systems to individual users. This could open up new avenues for communication and interaction, furthering the reach and capabilities of both human and artificial intelligence.

The burgeoning field of BCIs is becoming increasingly competitive, with notable players like Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, also in the mix. Neuralink is working on implantable devices that require surgical procedures to read neural signals, enabling individuals with paralysis to control external devices. In June 2025, Neuralink raised $650 million, reaching a reported valuation of $9 billion. This competition underscores the race to develop safe and effective BCI technologies that could redefine the boundaries of human capability.

OpenAI's investment in Merge Labs signals a strategic shift toward enhancing the capabilities of artificial intelligence through direct neural integration. By exploring the intersection of human cognition and machine learning, both companies are positioned to significantly impact how people engage with technology in the future. As BCIs evolve, the implications for various sectors—from healthcare to entertainment—could be profound, transforming not only how we communicate but also how we perceive and interact with reality.

As this collaboration unfolds, it will be intriguing to observe how advancements in BCIs can facilitate new forms of communication and creativity, ultimately shaping the future of human-computer interaction.