Neuralink implants "telepathy" brain chip in seven humans, secures trial approvals in Canada and UAE
Neuralink, the U.S.-based neurotechnology firm co-founded by Elon Musk, has reached a major milestone in its development of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. As of June 19, 2025, the company has successfully implanted its so-called "telepathy" brain chip—officially named the N1 Implant or “Link”—into seven human subjects. This follows earlier FDA approval for human trials in the United States and marks a key step in Neuralink’s path toward commercializing its BCI platform.
The N1 Implant is a coin-sized device that is surgically placed beneath the skull. It connects to the brain via ultra-thin threads that extend into specific regions responsible for motor control and other cognitive functions. The device is equipped with sensors that can both record and stimulate neural activity, enabling real-time biofeedback and opening the door to potential enhancements in memory, attention, and concentration.
This recent achievement builds on Neuralink’s FDA green light for human testing in the U.S. In May 2023, the agency granted the company Breakthrough Device Designation based on its potential to restore communication in people with severe speech impairments. Recruitment for human participants began in September 2023, and the current count stands at seven implanted individuals.
Neuralink has now also received approvals to begin clinical trials in Canada and the United Arab Emirates, expanding its testing footprint beyond the United States. This global expansion is seen as a strategic effort to broaden the company’s reach and accelerate progress on its BCI applications across different regulatory and healthcare environments. The green lights in both Canada and the UAE represent crucial new opportunities for Neuralink to test and possibly deploy its technology internationally.
Despite these advances, Neuralink’s work raises serious ethical and regulatory concerns. The possibility of accessing and altering internal thoughts, memories, or emotional states sparks debates about consent, mental privacy, and autonomy. Moreover, the high cost and complexity of such implants may limit access, potentially widening existing disparities in healthcare and education.
