Share This Article
Neuralink brain implants soon to be tested on humans
The American company Neuralink has just completed a round of funding, raising US$280 million. Its main product is brain implants, the development of which has been the focus of an increasing number of startups in recent years. One of Neuralink’s founders is Elon Musk, who is actively promoting the idea of placing chips in the brain to treat a range of diseases and, in some cases, restore motor activity.
It is worth noting that neurotechnology is becoming increasingly popular. According to PitchBook, startups in the field raised a total of US$143 million in the first six months of 2023 alone. This compares to just over US$278 million raised in 2022 and almost US$519 million in 2021.
Synchron is one of the main competitors of Neuralink. The latter specialises in implanting brain implants through blood vessels. The company has already recruited its first patient for testing, something that Elon Musk’s startup has yet to do. At the same time, Neuralink received approval from the US FDA last year to test its chips on humans.
Technology overview of Neuralink
Founded in 2016, Neuralink specialises in developing brain implants based on its proprietary BCI neurocomputer interface. The startup’s chip applies to a broad range of medical problems and therapies. The implant can be used:
- for the rehabilitation of stroke patients
- for various spinal cord injuries
- for paralysis;
- to reduce the intensity of seizures in epilepsy.
In addition, the chip will allow controlling neural prostheses. According to Elon Musk, the development of Neuralink could be a way to improve the functioning of the human brain in the future.
The BCI acts as an intermediary between the brain and the computer. The chip converts analogue impulses sent by the brain’s neurons into signals the computer can understand. The use of the implant requires surgical implantation, which in turn requires lengthy research into the device’s safety.
The first presentation of the brain implant took place in 2019 when Neuralink demonstrated the N1 chip. In addition to introducing the technology and its applications, Elon Musk spoke about the first tests of the device. These involved the use of animals. For example, the startup implanted chips in pigs and primates. Such a statement drew criticism from animal rights groups.
According to a Reuters investigation, between 2018 and 2023, Neuralink killed around 1,500 animals in its tests. In addition, last year, human rights organisations accused the company of failing to respect rights when supplying hazardous materials.