Sam Altman’s next startup eyes using sound waves to read your brain
In a significant development within the tech industry, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has enlisted the expertise of Mikhail Shapiro, a renowned biomolecular engineer, to join his upcoming brain-computer interface startup, Merge Labs. This venture, co-founded by Altman and Alex Blania, is poised to make waves in the rapidly evolving field of neurotechnology. While Shapiro’s specific role has not been officially disclosed, insiders suggest he will play a pivotal part in shaping the company’s vision and strategy, particularly in discussions with potential investors.
Merge Labs is currently in the process of securing substantial funding, with expectations to raise hundreds of millions of dollars from prominent backers, including OpenAI itself. This financial backing is critical as the startup aims to position itself at the forefront of brain-computer interface technology, which has the potential to revolutionize how humans interact with machines. The implications of such technology are vast, ranging from medical applications that could aid individuals with neurological disorders to enhancing cognitive capabilities in healthy individuals. As the demand for innovative tech solutions continues to rise, Merge Labs is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the growing interest in brain-computer interfaces.
The inclusion of a figure like Shapiro, who has a distinguished background in biomolecular engineering, underscores the ambitious nature of Merge Labs’ mission. His expertise will likely play a crucial role in navigating the complex scientific and ethical landscapes associated with brain-computer interfaces. As the startup prepares for its official announcement, the tech community is watching closely, eager to see how Merge Labs will contribute to the future of human-computer interaction and the broader implications of such advancements in society. This development not only highlights the growing intersection of AI and neuroscience but also signals a new chapter in the quest for seamless integration between human cognition and digital technology.
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This is an excerpt of
Sources by Alex Heath
, a newsletter about AI and the tech industry, syndicated just for The Verge subscribers once a week.
Sam Altman has tapped Mikhail Shapiro, an award-winning biomolecular engineer, to join the Merge Labs brain-computer interface startup he’s set to announce soon with co-founder Alex Blania.
While Shapiro’s official title is unclear, sources say he will be part of Merge’s founding team and has been positioned as a key leader in talks with investors. Those talks are ongoing, but Merge expects to raise hundreds of millions of dollars from OpenAI and others, as
The Financial Times
earlier reported.
S …
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