Neuralink Expands Brain Implant Trials with 12 Global Patients

Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, announced that 12 people worldwide have now received its brain implants. This is up from seven patients reported in June, when the company’s partner, Barrow Neurological Institute, revealed that individuals with severe paralysis were successfully using Neuralink’s technology to control digital devices and physical tools through thought.

According to Neuralink, the collective use of its implants has surpassed 2,000 days, totaling over 15,000 hours of activity. The company shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting progress in real-world applications of its brain chip technology.

Neuralink also confirmed plans to expand clinical research in Europe. Beginning this year, the company will launch a trial in Great Britain in collaboration with University College London Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals. The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the brain implant in enabling patients with paralysis to regain independence through mind-controlled devices.

In June, Neuralink secured $650 million in funding, underscoring strong investor confidence in its mission to merge humans with advanced AI systems. The funding comes as the company scales its human trials, which officially began in 2024 after addressing safety concerns flagged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA had initially rejected Neuralink’s application in 2022 before granting approval for human testing.

With growing clinical evidence and international partnerships, Neuralink continues to position itself at the forefront of neurotechnology. The company’s brain-computer interface could mark a major breakthrough for patients with severe neurological conditions, while also driving advancements in human-AI integration.