OpenAI和奥特曼将投资一家脑机接口公司，直接与马斯克的Neuralink竞争

Core Viewpoint - Neuralink, a company representing the future of human-machine symbiosis, may face a strong challenger in Merge Labs, which aims to connect the human brain with computers, similar to Neuralink's goals [1][10]. Group 1: Investment and Competition - OpenAI, led by co-founder Sam Altman, is reportedly preparing to invest in Merge Labs, which is currently raising funds at a valuation of $850 million, with most of the new funding expected to come from OpenAI's venture capital team [5][10]. - Altman is encouraging this investment and will co-found Merge Labs, although he will not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the new project [5][10]. - Merge Labs plans to raise $250 million from OpenAI and other investors, with negotiations still in early stages [10]. Group 2: Neuralink's Position - Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, is currently the leader in the brain-computer interface field and recently secured $650 million in funding, reaching a valuation of $9 billion [11][12]. - The company has successfully completed its 8th and 9th brain-computer interface surgeries, gaining significant attention for enabling high-level paraplegics to control devices [12]. Group 3: Broader Context and Developments - The field of brain-computer interfaces has seen a rise in young startups in Silicon Valley, indicating growing interest and competition in this technology [6]. - Altman has previously expressed optimism about the potential for high-bandwidth brain-computer interfaces to emerge soon, possibly as early as 2025 [7][9]. - In addition to Merge Labs, Altman is involved in other cutting-edge projects, including investments in nuclear fission and fusion initiatives [13].