编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 当思考变成指令，当大脑直接与 AI 对话，这家初创公司正试图用超声波技术打破脑机接口的边界。 在脑科学的前沿领域，一项突破性技术正悄然改变游戏规则—— 只需向大脑发射高频声波，无需开颅植入 电极，便能读取思维活动、治疗精神疾病 。这听起来像是科幻情节，但却是 Merge Labs 正在努力探索的 方向。 2026 年 1 月，这家由 OpenAI 支持的初创公司宣布完成 2.52 亿美元 种子轮融资，投资方包括 OpenAI、 贝恩资本和 Valve 公司创始人 Gabe Newell 等重量级机构与个人。 与 埃隆·马斯克 创立的脑机接口公司 Neuralink 不同， Merge Labs 选择了一条 非侵入或极低侵入 的技 术路线。 两种技术路径的对决 在 脑机接口 （BCI） 的赛道上，正形成两大技术阵营。一边以马斯克的 Neuralink 为代表 ，依靠外科植 入电极阵列直接测量神经元的电活动。这种方法已帮助瘫痪患者实现意念控制设备，但这存在着大脑神经 损伤和疤痕风险。 另一边则是 Merge Labs 采用的 超声波 技术方案。该技术利用超声波深入大脑数厘米，实现对大脑 ...

Core Viewpoint - Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface project, has attracted interest from Sam Altman, who may participate as a co-founder, aiming to raise $250 million at an $850 million valuation, with significant funding expected from OpenAI Ventures [3]. Group 1: Project Overview - Merge Labs is exploring gene therapy to modify brain cells, aiming to create superior implantable devices, contrasting with Neuralink's approach [5]. - The project is in its early stages, with various ideas and technologies being considered, including the combination of gene therapy and ultrasound devices for monitoring and regulating modified cells [6][12]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - If Altman enters the brain-computer interface space through Merge Labs, he will compete with Elon Musk's Neuralink, which is developing brain implants for disease treatment and human enhancement [7]. - Current implantable devices have already enabled paralyzed patients to control electronic devices and helped non-verbal individuals communicate [8]. Group 3: Scientific Background - The scientific community has been researching how to make cells responsive to ultrasound through gene modification, a field known as sonogenetics [9]. - Ultrasound has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications in brain treatment, with some companies exploring non-invasive ultrasound devices for mental health issues [10][11].