Merge Labs, founded by Altman, uses ultrasound to create neurointerfaces, allowing for the avoidance of surgical intervention. Unlike Elon Musk's Neuralink, which requires trepanation of the skull to implant electrodes, the new technology enables "reading" brain activity without such procedures. This approach has been made possible by the nonprofit laboratory Forest Neurotech, which has already conducted trials on patients with traumatic brain injuries.
Among the co-founders of the project are researchers Mikhail Shapiro (Caltech), Tyson Afflalo, and Sumner Norman from Forest Neurotech. They are joined by Alex Blania and Sandro Herbig — CEO and product leader of the company Tools for Humanity, which is working on creating World iris scanners. Sam Altman is participating in the project "in a personal capacity."
OpenAI explained its interest in Merge Labs by stating that neurointerfaces could become "a natural way to interact with AI." The company also intends to assist the startup in developing scientific models and tools. If the technology proves successful, Merge Labs could become an important link in the OpenAI product ecosystem.
This deal intensifies the competition between Altman and Musk. Neuralink raised $650 million in June 2025 at a valuation of $9 billion and has already successfully implanted devices in 12 volunteers. At the same time, Merge Labs acknowledges that development may take "decades, not years." According to Morgan Stanley estimates, the neurointerface market in the U.S. could reach $400 billion.
