Neuralink secures US$650M to advance brain-computer interface technology

USA—Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface startup, Neuralink, has successfully raised US$650 million in its latest Series E funding round, bringing the company’s total funding to over US$1.2 billion.

This recent capital injection values Neuralink at approximately US$9 billion before the new funds, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s neurotechnology advancements.

The funding round attracted participation from prominent investors such as ARK Invest, DFJ Growth, Founders Fund, G42, Human Capital, Lightspeed, QIA, Sequoia Capital, Thrive Capital, Valor Equity Partners, and Vy Capital, among others.

Neuralink plans to use this substantial investment to expand patient access to its brain-computer interface technology and accelerate the development of new devices that enhance the integration between biological and artificial intelligence.

Neuralink’s flagship product, the N1 implant, is a coin-sized device designed to help individuals with severe paralysis regain control over digital and physical devices using only their thoughts.

The implant contains 1,024 ultra-thin electrodes distributed across 64 threads, which are inserted into the brain.

It replaces a small piece of skull bone and connects to the brain via these threads.

The device is powered by custom chips and features a rechargeable battery that charges wirelessly.

Surgical implantation is performed using a specialized robot called R1, which employs advanced imaging technology to ensure precision.

The company has made significant progress in clinical trials, having implanted the N1 device in five patients with severe paralysis.

These individuals are now able to control computers, browse the internet, play video games, and operate physical devices using their neural signals, marking a major step toward restoring independence for people with neurological impairments.

Clinical trials are currently underway at several prestigious institutions, including Barrow Neurological Institute, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami, University Health Network in Toronto, and the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Beyond motor control, Neuralink is expanding its technology’s applications.

In November, the company received approval for a new clinical study called CONVOY, which will test the feasibility of connecting the brain implant to a robotic arm.

Additionally, in May, Neuralink secured the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Breakthrough Device Designation for a device aimed at treating severe speech impairments.

The company has also developed implants targeting vision restoration, which have similarly received breakthrough status to expedite regulatory review.

Neuralink is actively recruiting engineers and operators across various disciplines to support its ambitious roadmap.

The company aims to increase the number of neurons and brain regions its device can interface with, unlocking new possibilities for human potential and advancing the frontier of human-machine integration.

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