OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly backing a secretive brain-technology startup called Merge Labs, which aims to develop a non-invasive brain-AI interface. The venture, still in its early stages, is said to be exploring ways to connect human thought processes directly with artificial intelligence systems, signaling a new frontier in the convergence of neuroscience and AI.
According to multiple reports, Merge Labs is developing a non-invasive approach to brain-computer interaction — meaning it would not require implants or surgical procedures like those used by Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Instead, the company is said to be working on wearable or sensor-based technology capable of interpreting neural signals and using them to control or interact with AI systems in real time.
Sam Altman’s reported involvement has generated significant interest in the tech industry, given his leadership at OpenAI and growing influence in the AI ecosystem. While Merge Labs has yet to make a formal public statement, its mission appears to align with Altman’s broader vision of integrating AI with human capability in ways that are both accessible and ethically sustainable.
Industry observers note that Merge Labs has maintained an unusually low profile for a company working in such a high-stakes field. The firm has not yet disclosed details about its team, investors, or technical roadmap. However, job postings and early reports suggest the company is actively recruiting engineers and neuroscientists specializing in neuroimaging, signal decoding, and human-computer interaction.
If successful, Merge Labs could represent a pivotal step toward achieving more seamless human-AI collaboration. Current AI systems, including ChatGPT and other large language models, rely primarily on text and voice inputs. A brain-AI interface could remove that barrier entirely, allowing users to communicate ideas, commands, or emotions directly to machines.
Experts say such technology could have applications in accessibility, healthcare, and productivity. Non-invasive neural interfaces could empower individuals with disabilities to control devices or express thoughts more easily, while also providing new tools for creative and cognitive enhancement.
However, the idea of directly linking human brains with AI raises complex ethical and privacy questions. Researchers have long cautioned that brain data is among the most sensitive forms of personal information, and misuse could pose serious risks to autonomy and consent. It remains unclear how Merge Labs plans to navigate these challenges, though Altman’s previous comments on AI governance suggest an awareness of such risks.
“Aligning AI systems with human intent has always been one of the hardest problems,” said a senior AI researcher commenting on the development. “If Merge Labs succeeds in decoding thought patterns without invasive procedures, it could change not just how we interact with technology, but how we define human agency itself.”
Sam Altman has previously expressed interest in advancing technologies that extend human cognition. Beyond OpenAI, he has backed ventures such as Worldcoin — a project that aims to build a global digital identity system using biometric verification. His involvement in Merge Labs suggests a continued focus on blending human capability with advanced AI infrastructure.
The competition in the brain-computer interface (BCI) space has intensified in recent years. Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has conducted human trials of implant-based BCIs designed to restore motor control and communication in paralyzed individuals. Meanwhile, companies like Synchron and Kernel are working on alternative non-invasive or minimally invasive approaches. Merge Labs’ focus on a fully non-invasive model could position it uniquely within this growing market.
Reports indicate that Merge Labs is exploring the use of high-resolution brain activity mapping combined with machine learning algorithms to translate neural data into structured outputs. Such systems could, in theory, allow users to perform complex digital tasks — from writing and designing to controlling robotics — using only their thoughts.
Despite the enthusiasm, experts caution that non-invasive brain-AI interfaces face substantial scientific hurdles. Current technologies like EEG (electroencephalography) offer limited precision compared to invasive systems, making it difficult to achieve real-time responsiveness or accuracy in complex applications. Breakthroughs in sensor fidelity, AI modeling, and signal decoding will be necessary before such systems can be deployed at scale.
“Non-invasive BCIs are the holy grail of neuroscience and AI,” said a neurotech analyst. “They promise immense potential but also require unprecedented precision in capturing and interpreting brain signals. If Merge Labs can deliver even a fraction of that promise, it could redefine human-computer interaction.”
Altman’s involvement has further fueled speculation about whether OpenAI itself could eventually integrate such technology into its platforms. Industry insiders believe that OpenAI’s expertise in language understanding and generative modeling could complement Merge Labs’ ambitions, paving the way for entirely new forms of cognitive computing.
The emergence of startups like Merge Labs underscores a broader trend in technology: the push toward symbiotic human-AI collaboration. Rather than simply building smarter algorithms, the next wave of innovation may focus on enhancing how humans think, create, and connect with intelligent systems.
As interest grows, industry analysts expect more clarity about Merge Labs’ funding, leadership, and product roadmap in the coming months. For now, its combination of cutting-edge neuroscience, advanced AI, and backing from one of the world’s most influential tech leaders has positioned it at the center of one of the most ambitious technological pursuits of the decade.