TechFlow news: Elon Musk-backed biotech company Neuralink has announced the completion of a $280 million Series D funding round led by Founders Fund.
Although Neuralink did not disclose the specific use of funds, the company stated its goal is to help paralyzed individuals or those with other neurological conditions regain independence by enabling them to control computers and mobile devices using brain activity. Neuralink currently has multiple job openings for engineers, safety, operations, and IT specialists.
Neuralink's animal testing has drawn controversy. In May, U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff and Earl Blumenauer jointly wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting an investigation into the committee responsible for overseeing Neuralink’s animal testing, citing potential conflicts of interest.
It is reported that Neuralink has recently tested its technology on small animals such as monkeys and pigs, demonstrating the capability in April 2021 by having a monkey play table tennis. In May this year, Neuralink received FDA approval to begin human clinical trials.
