Musk approaches brain chip firm Synchron over Neuralink delays: sources

By Rachel Levy

Aug 19 (Reuters) – Elon Musk has approached brain chip implant developer Synchron Inc. for a possible investment, as his own company Neuralink catches up in the race to connect the human brain directly to machines, according to four people familiar with the matter.

Musk has contacted Synchron founder and CEO Thomas Oxley in recent weeks to discuss a possible deal, the sources said. It is unclear if any transaction would involve a merger or collaboration between Synchron and Neuralink.

Synchron, based in the New York borough of Brooklyn, is ahead of Neuralink in the process of obtaining regulatory clearance for its devices, according to the sources. It has not decided whether to accept an investment and no deal is certain, added the sources, who requested anonymity because the matter is confidential.

Representatives for Musk and Neuralink did not respond to requests for comment. A Synchron spokesman declined to comment on the matter.

The outreach comes after Musk, who is also chief executive of electric car maker Tesla Inc and rocket developer SpaceX, expressed frustration to Neuralink employees about their slow progress, four current and former employees said.

It is unclear where Neuralink is in its application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin human trials. An agency spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Musk said in a 2019 public filing that Neuralink, which he launched in 2016, aimed to receive regulatory approval in late 2020. He then stated at a Wall Street Journal conference in late 2021 that he hoped to start human trials this year. .

Founded in 2016, Synchron has developed a brain implant that would not require cutting through the skull to install, unlike Neuralink’s product. His goal is to help paralyzed patients and operate digital devices with their minds alone.

(Edited in Spanish by Carlos Serrano)

We would like to thank the author of this write-up for this remarkable web content

Musk approaches brain chip firm Synchron over Neuralink delays: sources