Sam Altman Reportedly Building Ultrasound-Based Brain Interface Startup Merge Labs

October 30, 2025
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly backing Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface venture exploring ultrasound-based methods to interpret brain activity without surgery. The startup has recruited Caltech engineer Mikhail Shapiro and aims to raise $250 million at an $850 million valuation.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly backing a new brain-computer interface startup called Merge Labs, which aims to use ultrasound to read brain activity without invasive implants, according to Futurism. The company has reportedly brought in Caltech biomolecular engineer Mikhail Shapiro, known for his research into non-invasive neural imaging.

The unannounced venture is said to be pursuing a “read-only” brain interface that could allow users to think commands and receive responses from AI systems like ChatGPT. Altman previously stated he would prefer this kind of approach over implant-based systems, such as those developed by Neuralink, saying he would not implant hardware into his brain.

Merge Labs is reportedly targeting a $250 million funding round at an $850 million valuation, potentially with investment from OpenAI. Altman is not expected to invest personally or take a daily operational role in the startup, which remains in early development stages.

Shapiro’s research focuses on using gene therapy to make neurons responsive to ultrasound, enabling brain imaging through the skull without surgery. This approach contrasts with implant-based systems, trading surgical complexity for biological and acoustic engineering challenges.

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