The "Link," also referred to as the N1 Implant or Telepathy N1, is a fully implantable, wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) developed by Neuralink, a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk in 2016. The device is roughly the size of a large coin and is designed to be "cosmetically invisible" once implanted. Neuralink aims to create a seamless connection between the human brain and the digital world, with initial applications focused on assisting individuals with paralysis. As of late 2025, Neuralink reported having implanted the Link in 12 human trial participants.
The Link's key features include ultra-thin, flexible electrode threads, each thinner than a human hair. The device has 1,024 electrodes across 64 threads, which are woven into the cerebral cortex to detect electrical signals fired by neurons. These signals are then processed by a custom chip, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), within the implant and transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to external devices like computers or smartphones. A surgical robot is used to precisely implant the device. The procedure involves removing a small section of the skull, inserting the threads into the cortex, and then the device sits flush with the skull.
While specific pricing information for the Neuralink "Link" is not readily available, the company's initial focus is on assisting individuals with severe paralysis, with the goal of restoring control over limbs, prosthetics, or communication devices. As of February 2026, Neuralink is still in the trial phase, with ongoing research and development to refine the technology and expand its applications.
