Key Statistics
About Neuralink
Neuralink is Elon Musk's most science-fiction venture — a company working to place computer chips directly inside human brains. Founded in 2016, its mission is to create a high-bandwidth connection between the human brain and computers: initially to help people with paralysis regain motor and sensory function, and ultimately to merge human consciousness with artificial intelligence.
The device is called N1: a chip roughly the size of a large coin, connected to 1,024 electrodes thinner than a human hair, implanted by a precision surgical robot. The first human patient received his implant in January 2024 and was playing chess online using only his thoughts within weeks. A second patient used the device to design 3D models in CAD software without touching a mouse or keyboard.
Neuralink's long-term vision extends far beyond medical devices. Musk believes that as AI grows more powerful, the only way for humans to remain relevant is to interface directly with it. 'Telepathy' — the ability to communicate thoughts without speaking or typing — is Step One of a roadmap that could eventually enable memory augmentation, direct brain-to-brain communication, and AI-human symbiosis.
Company History
Neuralink founded by Elon Musk and co-founders in San Francisco
First public demo: 1,500-electrode chip tested in rats, announced on stage
Gertrude the pig demonstrates live wireless brain activity via implanted chip
Macaque monkey plays Pong using only brain signals — video goes viral
Raises $205M Series C led by Founders Fund
FDA grants Breakthrough Device status; PRIME clinical trial approved
First human implant: patient plays chess and surfs the web with his thoughts
Multiple enrolled patients; second uses device for 3D CAD design
PRIME study expands to include motor restoration and sensory feedback
Fast Facts
Neuralink's surgical robot can insert electrodes thinner than a human hair with sub-micron precision — no human surgeon could do this by hand.
The N1 chip processes 1,024 channels of neural data simultaneously and transmits wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Neuralink's first human patient went from complete paralysis to playing chess online within weeks of his implant.
The device is fully rechargeable wirelessly — patients charge it overnight like a phone.
Competitors like Synchron (backed by Jeff Bezos) exist, but Neuralink's electrode count and bandwidth are orders of magnitude higher than anything else available.
Neuralink is one of Elon Musk's major holdings.
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