Sam Altman Backs Neuralink Competitor | OpenAI News

Sam Altman's New Venture: Merge Labs

Sam Altman is currently involved in establishing a new startup focused on brain-to-computer interfaces, named Merge Labs. The company is actively seeking funding, with a significant portion potentially originating from OpenAI’s ventures team, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.

Startup Valuation and Early Discussions

The anticipated valuation for Merge Labs is reportedly $850 million. However, discussions are still in preliminary stages, and OpenAI’s commitment to investing remains unconfirmed, meaning the final terms are subject to change, as a source informed TechCrunch.

Collaboration with Tools for Humanity

Merge Labs is also collaborating with Alex Blania, the head of Tools for Humanity (previously known as World). This project, initiated by Altman, centers around a digital ID system utilizing eye-scanning technology to “verify humanness,” as described by the company.

Competition in the Brain-Computer Interface Space

Merge Labs is poised to enter a competitive market, directly challenging Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Neuralink is dedicated to the development of implantable computer interface chips designed for the brain.

Neuralink's Progress and Funding

Musk established Neuralink in 2016, with its existence becoming public knowledge in 2017. The company has since achieved substantial advancements. Currently, Neuralink is conducting trials with individuals experiencing severe paralysis, aiming to enable control of devices through thought.

In June, Neuralink successfully raised $600 million in a Series E funding round, resulting in a company valuation of $9 billion.

Potential for Revolutionary Technology

Both Neuralink and, potentially, Merge Labs have the capacity to fundamentally alter the way humans interact with technology. Some speculate that these technologies could propel humanity towards “the singularity.”

The Concept of the Singularity

Prior to the current focus on artificial general intelligence (AGI), Silicon Valley exhibited a strong interest in “the singularity.” Musk has defined this as a point in time when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence.

However, the more traditional understanding, stemming from Dino Buzzati’s 1960s novella, refers to the integration of technology with human beings.

Altman's Early Vision of "The Merge"

As early as 2017, Altman discussed “The Merge” in a blog post. He predicted that this integration would become increasingly significant, stating, “We will be the first species ever to design our own descendants.” This perspective was informed by research conducted at OpenAI, where Musk was still a co-founder at the time.

Deteriorating Relationship Between Altman and Musk

Musk departed from OpenAI in 2018, leading to a strained relationship between the two technology leaders. Recent public exchanges on X demonstrate this discord, with Altman accusing Musk of manipulating the platform and Musk responding by labeling Altman as dishonest.

Future Developments

The formal announcement of Merge Labs is still pending. However, it is reasonable to assume that Altman intends to offer a competitive alternative to Musk’s work in the crucial area of the singularity.

OpenAI has not provided any official statement regarding this matter.