OpenAI Invests in Startup That Uses Brain Implants to Detect Cancer
OpenAI is investing in brain-computer interface startups like Coherence and Merge Labs as part of a growing push by tech giants to decode neural data using artificial intelligence. Coherence is developing AI models to detect subtle electrical signals associated with brain tumors rather than focusing on paralysis. This convergence aims to use massive neural datasets to train better AI models while creating new ways for humans to interact with technology.
Why it matters
The intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience could revolutionize medical diagnostics, such as detecting cancer early, while fundamentally altering human-computer interaction.
The investments are part of a $45 million seed funding round for Coherence and reflect Big Tech’s burgeoning interest in brain data. Coherence’s CEO and cofounder Ben Woodington says there is “growing synergy” between the big AI labs and companies building devices to decode the brain, known as brain-computer interfaces.
“The idea of capturing data to train better models and use it to optimize treatments is going to be super important,” he says. “The AI companies seem to be aligned with this thesis as well—that this novel data source is going to be valuable.”
Woodington says AI is a “perfect use case” for brain-computer interfaces because developers of these devices generate massive datasets that are too large for humans to analyze themselves. AI models can help read raw neural data and link it to actions, such as moving a computer cursor or producing synthesized speech.
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