OpenAI Invests in Sam Altman’s Merge Labs, Pioneering Brain-Computer Interface Technology
In a significant move within the tech landscape, OpenAI has made a substantial investment in Merge Labs, the brain-computer interface (BCI) startup founded by CEO Sam Altman. Announced recently, Merge Labs aims to merge biological and artificial intelligence to enhance human abilities and was unveiled following a successful seed funding round of $250 million, valuing the company at $850 million. OpenAI’s investment is reportedly the largest single contribution in this round.
Merge Labs articulates its vision through a compelling statement: “Our individual experience of the world arises from billions of active neurons. 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.”
The startup plans to achieve its goals using non-invasive methods, focusing on innovative technologies that communicate with neurons via molecules instead of traditional electrodes. This approach aims to facilitate information transfer using advanced modalities, such as ultrasound.
This investment intensifies the competition between Altman and fellow tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, whose Neuralink is also developing brain-computer interfaces. Neuralink’s approach, however, involves invasive surgical procedures, contrasting sharply with Merge Labs’ non-invasive strategy. Neuralink recently raised $650 million, achieving a valuation of $9 billion in June 2025.
While Merge Labs recognizes the potential medical applications of BCIs, its aspirations align more closely with the vision of merging human biology with artificial intelligence. OpenAI commented on the potential of BCIs, stating, “They open new ways to communicate, learn, and interact with technology. BCIs will create a natural, human-centered way for anyone to seamlessly interact with AI.”
Co-founders of Merge Labs include notable figures such as Alex Blania and Sandro Herbig, both associated with Tools for Humanity, and researchers from Forest Neurotech and Caltech. The collaboration with OpenAI aims to expedite development in bioengineering, neuroscience, and device engineering, leveraging AI to enhance the functionality of these interfaces.
The potential of Merge Labs may not only advance its technologies but also attract more users to OpenAI, fostering a mutually beneficial cycle of growth. OpenAI is involved in various other tech endeavors, including its partnership with Jony Ive’s startup io for developing screenless AI hardware, hinting at a broader vision for integrating AI technology into everyday life.
Altman’s long-held belief in the convergence of humans and machines dates back to 2017. He envisions this integration as crucial for ensuring humanity’s survival alongside advanced AI, emphasizing the necessity of evolving our relationship with technology. Altman states, “We will be the first species ever to design our own descendants… or we can figure out what a successful merge looks like.”
This latest investment underscores OpenAI’s commitment to pioneering innovative technologies, marking a pivotal step in the evolution of brain-computer interfaces and their applications in enhancing human capabilities.
