Will Neuralink ever go public?

Neuralink is a company that aims to create a generalized brain-computer interface (BCI) that can restore autonomy and unlock human potential. Founded by Elon Musk in 2016, Neuralink has been developing implantable devices that can communicate with the brain and enable fast and reliable computer control.

Neuralink announced that it had successfully implanted its first brain chip in a human volunteer on Sunday, January 28, 2024, and that the person was recovering well. This is a major milestone for the company and the field of neurotechnology, as it could pave the way for future applications of BCIs in medicine, entertainment, education, and more.

Neuralink’s brain chip is a small device that is implanted in the skull and connected to thin wires called threads that penetrate the brain tissue. The chip contains an array of electrodes that can record electrical signals from the neurons (brain cells) and send stimulation pulses back to them.

The chip also has a wireless transmitter that can communicate with an external device such as a smartphone or a computer. The chip is designed to be cosmetically invisible, as it is hidden under the scalp and hair.

The implantation procedure is performed by a surgical robot that can precisely insert the threads into specific regions of the brain without causing significant damage or bleeding. The procedure is expected to take less than an hour and require only local anesthesia.

Neuralink’s brain chip works by creating a bidirectional link between the brain and a computer. The chip can read information from the brain by detecting the electrical activity of the neurons, which encode thoughts, sensations, memories, and actions.

The chip can also write information to the brain by delivering electrical stimulation to the neurons, which can modulate their activity and influence their function.

However, Neuralink’s brain chip also poses some risks and challenges that need to be addressed before it can be widely adopted. Neuralink has announced that it plans to start clinical trials with human volunteers in 2023, pending regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The company has also stated that it aims to make its technology affordable and accessible to anyone who wants it. Neuralink has not revealed the price or availability of its brain chip yet, but Musk has hinted that it could cost around $1,000.