Introduction to Brain-Computer Interface Technology
The company aims to raise $250 million from OpenAI and other investors, although the talks are at an early stage. Altman will not personally invest. This new venture would be in direct competition with Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, which seeks to wire brains directly to computers.
The Founders and Their Rivalry
Musk and Altman cofounded OpenAI, but Musk left the board in 2018 after clashing with Altman, and the two have since become fierce rivals in their pursuit of AI. Musk launched his own AI start-up, xAI, in 2023 and has been attempting to block OpenAI’s conversion from a nonprofit in the courts. Musk donated much of the initial capital to get OpenAI off the ground.
The Brain-Computer Interface Market
Neuralink is one of a pack of so-called brain-computer interface companies, while a number of start-ups, such as Precision Neuroscience and Synchron, have also emerged on the scene. Neuralink earlier this year raised $650 million at a $9 billion valuation, and it is backed by investors including Sequoia Capital, Thrive Capital, and Vy Capital. Altman had previously invested in Neuralink.
The Technology Behind Brain Implants
Brain implants are a decades-old technology, but recent leaps forward in AI and in the electronic components used to collect brain signals have offered the prospect that they can become more practically useful. This advancement has led to increased interest and investment in the field, with various companies exploring the potential of brain-computer interfaces.
Altman’s Investments and Ventures
Altman has backed a number of other companies in markets adjacent to ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, which is valued at $300 billion. In addition to cofounding World, he has also invested in the nuclear fission group Oklo and nuclear fusion project Helion. OpenAI declined to comment on the recent developments.
Conclusion
The competition between Musk and Altman in the AI and brain-computer interface space is heating up, with both individuals pursuing innovative and potentially groundbreaking technologies. As the field continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how their respective ventures develop and which ones ultimately achieve success.
FAQs
Q: What is the goal of the new venture?
A: The new venture aims to raise $250 million from OpenAI and other investors to develop brain-computer interface technology.
Q: Who are the key players involved in this venture?
A: The key players involved are Altman and potentially other investors, although the talks are at an early stage.
Q: What is the relationship between Musk and Altman?
A: Musk and Altman cofounded OpenAI but have since become rivals in the AI space after Musk left the board in 2018.
Q: What is Neuralink and how does it relate to the new venture?
A: Neuralink is a brain-computer interface company founded by Musk, and the new venture would be in direct competition with it.
