Sam Altman, OpenAI will reportedly back a startup that takes on Musk’s Neuralink

Sam Altman is reportedly co-founding a groundbreaking startup named Merge Labs, which aims to develop brain-to-computer interfaces. According to unnamed sources cited by the Financial Times, funding for this innovative venture may predominantly come from OpenAI’s investment team. The anticipated valuation for Merge Labs is around $850 million. Discussions regarding the collaboration with OpenAI are still in their infancy, as a source informed TechCrunch that a formal commitment has yet to be established, meaning the terms of the investment could still evolve. Additionally, Merge Labs is expected to collaborate with Alex Blania, the head of Tools for Humanity, which focuses on developing digital ID solutions through eye-scanning technology that verifies human identity. Merge Labs is set to compete directly with Neuralink, Elon Musk's company that is creating implantable chips for brain-computer interfaces. Founded in 2016, Neuralink has made significant strides, currently conducting trials involving individuals with severe paralysis, allowing them to control devices through thought. In June, Neuralink successfully raised $600 million in a Series E funding round, achieving a staggering valuation of $9 billion. The advancements from both Neuralink and potentially Merge Labs could fundamentally change the way humans interact with technology, with some predicting that these innovations could lead us toward a future resembling the concept of 'the singularity.' This term, often used by Musk to refer to a period when AI may surpass human intelligence, also encompasses the merging of technology with humanity itself. Altman previously discussed 'The Merge' in a 2017 blog post, predicting that humanity's relationship with technology would only grow more complex. He remarked on how humans would become the first species capable of designing their own successors. The dynamic between Altman and Musk has been strained since Musk departed from OpenAI in 2018, and recent exchanges on social media have highlighted their ongoing rivalry. As we await the official launch of Merge Labs, it is clear that Altman is determined to present a formidable challenge to Musk in this pivotal sector. OpenAI has opted not to comment on the matter.