On June 2, Elon Musk announced via social media that his brain-machine interface startup, Neuralink, has successfully raised 650 million USD (approximately 4.68 billion CNY) in Series E funding. Investors in this round include ARK Invest, Founders Fund, Sequoia Capital, and others.
Neuralink is a neurotechnology company co-founded by Elon Musk with the primary goal of developing implantable brain-machine interface (BMI) technology. The company aims to read and stimulate neural signals by implanting microchips and motor technologies in the human brain to treat various neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. Beyond medical applications, Neuralink also hopes its technology will lay the foundation for a comprehensive integration between the human brain and artificial intelligence, enhancing human brain capabilities.
Neuralink's first product, named "Telepathy", consists of 64 wires thinner than a human hair that are directly inserted into the brain to record neural signals. These signals can be converted into commands for external devices, allowing users to control digital or physical devices using their thoughts. The primary objective of this technology is to assist individuals with severe paralysis in regaining some degree of independence. So far, five patients have undergone the implantation procedure, and Neuralink is simultaneously advancing four clinical projects to validate the feasibility of Telepathy.
In addition, Neuralink’s "Blindsight" implant received breakthrough device designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2024. The implant works in conjunction with the brain’s visual cortex to stimulate neurons and create visual images, helping to restore sight for blind individuals at low resolution. In the initial stage, the implant will provide low-resolution vision, but in the future, the technology may expand human sensory boundaries, including the ability to see infrared and ultraviolet light.
Brain-machine interfaces are not a unique concept to Neuralink, as the academic community has been researching this technology for decades. Apart from Neuralink, several other companies, such as Synchron, Paradromics, and Precision Neuroscience, are actively developing similar technologies. Paradromics also announced on Monday that it had successfully implanted its brain-machine interface system in a human for the first time, marking further intensification of the competitive landscape.
On a global scale, China is also accelerating its strategy for brain-like intelligence. The wireless brain-machine interface NEO, developed by Tsinghua University in collaboration with Neuracle, has entered clinical trials and helps paralyzed patients control robotic arms. Additionally, the "Beinao No.1" smart brain-machine interface system, jointly developed by the Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing and NeuCyber NeuroTech, has completed the first three human implants, with the patients recovering well post-surgery. Formal clinical trials are planned for next year.
Despite significant progress in brain-like intelligence globally, the commercialization of brain-machine interface technology still has a long road ahead. From clinical trials to widespread application, challenges such as safety, ethical controversies, regulatory reviews, and user acceptance must all be overcome for the technology to become widely adopted.