Samsung to manufacture next-generation chips for Neuralink

Samsung Foundry has received its first order from Neuralink — Elon Musk's startup developing brain-computer interfaces. This event marks the expansion of Samsung's collaboration with Musk's ecosystem and the Korean manufacturer's entry into the promising field of neurotechnology.

Project details

The chip development is underway under the internal codename "O1" and will be manufactured using Samsung Foundry's 4nm process. The new chip is intended for the fourth generation of Neuralink implants and is designed to provide high-speed processing of brain signals, decoding them, and converting them into commands for external devices.

Work on the project began in late 2025. The first test samples were already manufactured in May 2026. If the schedule remains unchanged, serial chip deliveries will begin in the first half of 2027, with mass production following in the second half of the same year.

Significance of the partnership

For Neuralink, collaborating with Samsung is an important step toward improving the miniaturization and energy efficiency of implants. These parameters are critically important for devices that are implanted directly into the human brain. More advanced chips will allow for higher accuracy in reading neural signals and expand the system's functionality.

Previously, Samsung had already worked with Musk's companies in the automotive and AI sectors (Tesla), but the Neuralink chip order is its first experience in the neurotechnology field.

Prospects

The partnership could prove significant for both Samsung and Neuralink. The Korean company gains access to the rapidly growing neural interface market, while Musk accelerates the development of his technology, which could ultimately change the approach to treating neurological diseases and human-computer interaction.

In brief

Samsung Foundry has begun developing a specialized chip for the next generation of Neuralink implants. The project has been assigned the codename "O1" and will be manufactured using a 4nm process. This is Samsung's first contract with Elon Musk's company in the neurotechnology sector. Chip deliveries are expected in the first half of 2027. The collaboration is expected to improve the miniaturization and energy efficiency of implantable devices.