Merge Labs, backed by OpenAI and led by Sam Altman alongside Alex Blania of Tools for Humanity, develops advanced brain-computer interfaces. Their approach merges AI-driven algorithms with eye-scanning biometric security to enable seamless, non-invasive neural communication, targeting applications from paralysis assistance to secure human-machine interaction.

Key points

• Merge Labs secures ~$850 million valuation, backed by OpenAI, to develop AI-driven, non-invasive BCIs.
• It integrates eye-scanning biometric ID from Tools for Humanity to authenticate neural data access.
• Targets paralysis assistance and secure human-machine interaction by combining deep-learning neural decoding with encrypted biometric authentication.

Why it matters: This launch intensifies neurotech competition, promising secure AI-enhanced BCIs that could accelerate therapeutic and everyday applications.