OpenAI’s Altman confirms plans to back a startup that would rival Musk’s Neuralink

OpenAI’s Altman confirms plans to back a startup that would rival Musk’s Neuralink, signaling a bold step into the brain‑computer interface arena. The venue was a relaxed dinner conversation between Altman and The Verge’s Alex Heath, where he outlined strategic ambitions, future AI applications, and potential acquisition targets.

The confirmation follows early indications that OpenAI is set to lend support to Merge Labs, an undeclared brain‑computer interface venture that is reportedly valued at around $850 million. Current funding discussions suggest the bulk of capital would likely stem from OpenAI’s dedicated ventures arm.

“I find neural interfaces to be an exceptionally intriguing frontier. I envision a scenario where a simple thought triggers ChatGPT’s response,” Altman told Heath.

Regarding ChatGPT, Altman is optimistic that the platform could surpass Instagram and Facebook in reach, though it will still wrestle with overtaking Google. The model’s user base has surged, quadrupling weekly active users to 700 million over the past year, positioning it as the world’s fifth‑most visited website.

Last week, OpenAI unveiled GPT‑5, a breakthrough model that enhances performance across coding, mathematics, writing, healthcare, and visual perception. It introduces an intelligent router that switches modes seamlessly based on user interaction, reducing latency and improving task execution.

However, the launch was marred by controversy when OpenAI unexpectedly removed GPT‑4, prompting user backlash that forced a rapid restoration of the model.

OpenAI has reportedly been building a social network designed to compete with Elon Musk’s X, integrating robust ChatGPT capabilities throughout the platform.

On artificial general intelligence, Altman forecasted a future in which users would visit fewer websites but would heavily value human‑generated and endorsed content. He highlighted that GPU availability remains the primary constraint for scaling; OpenAI plans to invest trillions in data centers to remain ahead of demand.

The company is also collaborating with former Apple design lead Jony Ive on a forthcoming AI device that CEO Sam Altman predicts will be well worth the wait. OpenAI is weighing several acquisition opportunities, including a possible bid for Google’s Chrome if antitrust actions force its divestiture.

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has confirmed that the company is planning to support a brain-computer interface startup, a move that could pit it against Elon Musk’s Neuralink.

The confirmation came during a dinner talk with The Verge’s Alex Heath, where Altman outlined hardware ambitions, future AI applications, and potential acquisitions.

It follows early reports that OpenAI is backing Merge Labs, the yet-to-be-announced brain‑computer interface startup. The venture, reportedly valued at about $850 million, is said to be in early fundraising talks with potential capital coming largely from OpenAI’s ventures arm.

“I think neural interfaces are cool ideas to explore. I would like to be able to think something and have ChatGPT respond to it,” Altman told Heath.

Regarding ChatGPT, Altman expects it to overtake Instagram and Facebook, though surpassing Google will be challenging. The tool has seen explosive growth, with weekly active users quadrupling to 700 million in the past year, making it the fifth most-visited website globally.

Last week, OpenAI launched GPT-5, a new AI model with enhanced performance in coding, math, writing, health, and visual perception. It features a smart router for seamless mode switching based on user interaction, improving task handling with minimal latency.

However, OpenAI faced criticism for its unexpected removal of the GPT-4 model during the GPT-5 launch. The company had to restore the model after receiving users’ complaints.

OpenAI is reportedly building a social network to compete with Elon Musk’s X, utilizing ChatGPT’s features.

Regarding content and artificial general intelligence (AGI), Altman predicted users will visit fewer websites but place higher value on human-created and human-endorsed content. He noted that GPU availability remains the main constraint for growth, stating OpenAI will need to invest trillions in data centers to maintain pace with demand.

OpenAI is working with former Apple designer Jony Ive on a new AI device that CEO Sam Altman says will be worth waiting for. The company is also weighing acquisitions, including a possible bid for Chrome forced to sell it due to antitrust action.