Elon Musk’s Brain Chip Startup Gains Approval for Trials in Canada

The procedure will be carried out at Toronto's University Health Network hospital, which has been selected for its expertise in complex neurosurgical operations.

Neuralink, the brain chip startup co-founded by Elon Musk, has received approval to conduct its first clinical trial in Canada.

The trial will test a device that enables paralyzed individuals to operate digital devices using their thoughts.

The study aims to evaluate the safety and functionality of Neuralink's brain implant, specifically targeting individuals with quadriplegia—paralysis affecting all four limbs.

The procedure will be carried out at Toronto's University Health Network hospital, which has been selected for its expertise in complex neurosurgical operations.

Health Canada, the regulatory body overseeing medical trials, has not yet commented on the approval.

Neuralink has previously conducted similar trials in the United States, where two patients have had the device implanted. The company reported that one patient had successfully used the implant to play video games and design 3D objects.

Founded in 2016, Neuralink is focused on developing brain chip interfaces that can be implanted within the skull. The company envisions the technology as a means to help disabled patients regain mobility, communication abilities, and even vision.

In September, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that Neuralink, received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its experimental vision-restoring device, Blindsight The device is designed to enable individuals who have lost both eyes and their optic nerves to see again.

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