Neuralink Marks Major Milestone as Human Trials Expand to 21 Participants

Neuralink, the neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk, has announced a substantial expansion of its human clinical trials, now enrolling 21 participants worldwide. This marks a notable increase from the 12 participants reported in September, reflecting the company’s accelerated progress as it completes two years of human testing.

Participants Using Brain Implants to Control Digital Tools

According to Neuralink, trial participants—many living with conditions such as spinal cord injuries—are using the implanted brain‑computer interface (BCI) to operate a range of digital and physical tools purely through neural activity. The first patient has already demonstrated the ability to play video games, browse the internet, post on social media, and control a laptop cursor using thought alone.

The company says the primary goal of the expanded trials is to deepen understanding of individual variations in neural activity and to refine both the implant hardware and the surgical procedure. “A primary aim of our expanding clinical trials is to better understand these variations and improve both our hardware and the overall procedure for every participant,” Neuralink stated.

Regulatory Progress and Safety Record

Neuralink began human trials in 2024 after addressing safety concerns raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which had initially rejected the company’s application in 2022. Since then, Neuralink has worked closely with regulatory bodies and hospital partners to ensure compliance and safety. The company maintains a record of zero serious device‑related adverse events, a key factor in its continued expansion.

A Step Toward Restoring Independence

The implants are designed to assist individuals with severe mobility impairments by translating neural signals into digital commands. This technology aims to restore independence by enabling users to interact with computers, communication tools, and potentially robotic devices without physical movement.

While the company has not yet disclosed timelines for broader availability, the steady increase in trial participants signals growing confidence in the technology’s safety and potential.

Looking Ahead

Neuralink’s expansion to 21 participants underscores its ambition to push the boundaries of human‑machine integration. As trials continue, the company aims to refine its BCI systems, improve surgical methods, and gather long‑term data that could pave the way for future medical and consumer applications.

The coming years will be critical as Neuralink works to demonstrate not only technological capability but also long‑term safety, accessibility, and ethical responsibility in the emerging field of neural interfaces.