OpenAI Invests in Sam Altman’s New Brain-Tech Startup Merge Labs

Summary

Merge Labs has emerged from stealth with $252 million in funding led in part by OpenAI, plus investors such as Bain Capital and Gabe Newell. Cofounded by Sam Altman and researchers from the nonprofit Forest Neurotech, Merge is pursuing non‑invasive brain–computer interfaces that use ultrasound and molecular approaches to read and modulate neural activity rather than implants or electrodes.

The company says it will avoid implants into brain tissue, favouring deep‑reaching modalities like ultrasound and biological/device hybrids. OpenAI will collaborate on AI systems — including foundation models — to interpret noisy neural signals and translate intent. Merge is a spinoff of Forest Neurotech; Forest will continue as a nonprofit while working with Merge. Early safety trials of a miniaturised ultrasound device are underway in the UK, and Merge is hiring for multiple roles.

Key Points

Merge Labs raised $252m to develop ultrasound‑based, non‑implant brain interfaces.
OpenAI is an investor and collaborator, planning to provide AI foundation models to interpret brain data.
Merge emphasises molecular and ultrasound modalities to avoid implanting electrodes into brain tissue.
The startup is a spinout from nonprofit Forest Neurotech; Forest remains active on research and trials.
Potential early applications include mental‑health and brain‑injury therapies, though Merge hasn’t committed to specific product plans yet.
The move places Merge among competitors such as Neuralink and Synchron, but with a distinct non‑implant strategy.

Context and relevance

This announcement signals a direct strategic push by OpenAI into neurotech — combining high‑bandwidth interfaces with advanced AI to translate messy brain signals. It reflects broader industry trends: heavy investment in BCI (brain‑computer interface) startups, the rising role of AI in decoding neural data, and a race between invasive and non‑invasive approaches. For policymakers, clinicians and investors, this development tightens the link between AI capability and human augmentation/therapy research.

Why should I read this?

Quick and blunt: this could reshape how AI and brains talk to one another. If you follow AI, healthtech, or who’s buying influence in emerging hardware, this is a neat shortcut — OpenAI putting cash and models behind a non‑implant neurotech play is a big deal. Read it if you want the short version without wading through the hype.

Author style

Punchy: OpenAI’s backing makes Merge Labs more than an academic spinout — it’s a serious industry bet on non‑invasive BCIs. If you care about where AI is headed next (medical devices, consumer wearables, ethical/regulatory headaches), this one’s worth the detail.

Source

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/openai-invests-in-sam-altmans-new-brain-tech-startup-merge-labs/