Sam Altman is hedging bets on startup that seeks to rewire brain

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OpenAI chief Sam Altman is backing a new brain-computer interface venture that aims to genetically alter brain cells and pair them with ultrasound implants — setting up a direct rivalry with Elon Musk's Neuralink.

The company, called Merge Labs, is in early development and is exploring a sonogenetics approach: modifying brain cells with gene therapy and implanting an ultrasound device to detect and modulate neural activity, according to people familiar with the plans. 

Merge is seeking to raise $250 million at an $850 million valuation, with much of the funding expected from OpenAI's ventures arm, the Financial Times reported.

Altman told reporters this week that no deal has been finalized but said he wants to build brain interfaces that would allow people to "think something and have ChatGPT respond."

The move puts Altman head-to-head with Musk, whose Neuralink has already implanted patients in the United States and abroad. 

Neuralink recently secured regulatory approval for UK clinical trials and made headlines when Audrey Crews, a paralysed woman, wrote her name for the first time in 20 years using only her thoughts via the company's implant. 

The firm also closed a $650 million funding round this summer to expand trials globally.