OpenAI has announced it is participating in Merge Labs’ seed round, describing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as an important frontier for creating more natural, human-centered ways to interact with AI.

OpenAI said Merge Labs is pursuing new BCI approaches aimed at interfacing with the brain at much higher bandwidth by combining biology, devices, and AI. The company also stated it will collaborate with Merge Labs on scientific foundation models and other frontier tools to accelerate research and development across bioengineering, neuroscience, and device engineering.

OpenAI noted that high-bandwidth interfaces will benefit from AI systems that can interpret intent, adapt to individuals, and operate reliably despite limited and noisy signals.

According to OpenAI, Merge Labs’ co-founders include researchers Mikhail Shapiro, Tyson Aflalo, and Sumner Norman, alongside entrepreneurs Alex Blania and Sandro Herbig, and Sam Altman in a personal capacity.

Why it matters: BCIs could become a next-generation interface layer for computing, but progress depends on safe hardware, reliable signal interpretation, and robust AI models. OpenAI’s investment signals growing interest in “interfaces + AI” as a long-term platform shift.