Sam Altman wants to merge your brain with artificial intelligence. The OpenAI CEO is reportedly co-founding Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface company that’s already reached an $850 million valuation before fully launching.
According to multiple reports, Merge Labs is exploring the idea of using gene therapy to modify brain cells that would communicate with an implanted ultrasound device that could then “detect and modulate activity” in those genetically modified cells.
The money tells the story. Neuralink raised $650 million at a $9 billion valuation in 2025. Synchron pulled in $145 million. Precision Neuroscience secured $93 million. Paradromics raised $87 million. All before most people have even heard of brain-computer interfaces.
This isn’t speculative venture capital. These companies have FDA investigative clearances, human clinical trials, and working demonstrations. Neuralink users control computers with their thoughts. Apple has announced brain-computer interface compatibility with its devices. Meta is building neural interfaces for next-generation Orion glasses. The technical risks are being addressed, they say. Now it’s a race for market dominance.
Which means that while you’ve been contemplating whether ChatGPT will take your job, Silicon Valley has been preparing for the direct merger of human brains and artificial intelligence. And Washington appears ready to help them. The July 2025 America’s AI Action Plan directs agencies to eliminate regulations that “unduly burden AI innovation,” including FTC investigations. When American companies compete with China for humanity’s neural future, traditional oversight takes a back seat.
