NAIROBI, Kenya- Elon Musk’s brain-chip venture Neuralink is pushing the boundaries of innovation yet again, announcing its approval to kick off its first clinical trial in Canada.
The trial aims to test a groundbreaking implant designed to empower individuals with paralysis to control digital devices through the power of thought.
Neuralink’s Canadian trial will focus on safety and the initial performance of its brain chip implant.
The device is designed specifically for those with quadriplegia, enabling them to interact with external devices—such as computers and smartphones—using only their thoughts.
The trial will be conducted at Toronto’s University Health Network hospital, which Neuralink chose for its advanced capabilities in neurosurgical procedures.
While Health Canada, the country’s regulatory body, has not commented publicly on the trial approval, this marks a significant step for Neuralink as it expands its ambitious initiatives beyond the U.S.
In the United States, Neuralink has already tested its implant on two patients, with promising results.
The company reports that its second trial participant has been using the implant to perform activities as complex as playing video games and designing 3D objects—directly with their mind.
This Canadian trial builds on Neuralink’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize how people with disabilities interact with the digital world.
For example, the company envisions the chip eventually restoring mobility, speech, and even vision in patients suffering from severe neurological impairments.
Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a team of engineers, Neuralink is developing brain-computer interfaces that could one day achieve what feels like science fiction.
Beyond its device for controlling digital tools, the company is working on implants that aim to restore vision, earning a “breakthrough device” designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September.
These advancements come at a time when Neuralink is racing against competitors in the brain-interface field, all aiming to revolutionize treatment for conditions like paralysis, blindness, and neurological disorders.
Whether it’s restoring vision, enabling paralyzed individuals to control devices, or simply showcasing the capabilities of brain implants, the company is undoubtedly charting new territory.
