For a long time, enhancing brain capabilities through computers and technology has been a major subject of science fiction. Now, companies worldwide, including Paradromics and Neuralink, are trying to turn this idea into reality by developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). This technology can transform medicine and human cognition with profound yet controversial implications. 

In a recent move, Saudi Arabia entered this race in a partnership with the American neurotechnology firm, Paradromics. Through this partnership, the kingdom hopes to establish a cutting-edge brain-chip research center in NEOM. 

The global landscape of BCIs is going through rapid shifts as competitors like Neuralink seek more advancements amid ethical concerns. 

A Recent Saudi-American Partnership 

Saudi Arabia is now entering a field full of risk after securing a partnership to develop brain chip implantation technology.

Although Elon Musk’s Neuralink has been getting most of the attention, the competition is now increasing. In the Middle East, America’s Paradromics controls the scene, and will soon establish a center in NEOM. 

Paradromics is a Texas-based neurotech firm that claims it offers more precise applications for medical use. The firm focuses on high-bandwidth communication between the brain and external devices; however, Neuralink focuses on compact wireless implants. 

The plan to establish the center in NEOM showcases Saudi Arabia’s increasing investments in the technology and biotech sectors. The kingdom is now trying to attract global talent and explore neurotechnology amid rising concerns. 

A Competitive Landscape

When Musk first established Neuralink in 2016, the firm dominated the headlines. It claimed that its technology would enhance human cognition, or even restore movement to paralyzed individuals. However, these ambitions faced regulatory hurdles, allegations of rushed timelines, and controversy over animal testing practices.

Out of the eight co-founders who first established Neuralink, only one remains. A key figure like Max Hodak, left and found a new startup that is also pursuing a brain-computer interface.

Despite all concerns, Neuralink has continued its experiments and worked on implanting chips in pigs. The firm also published a video claiming they assisted a monkey to play a video game using only its mind. 

Around one year ago, Musk announced that the first human patient had received an implant from Neuralink. This happened after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the company clearance to conduct its trial on humans. 

The field of BCI is becoming more crowded as competitors offer alternatives to Neuralink’s approach. Synchron, which is backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, also implanted devices in human patients.

In Switzerland, researchers were able to use brain-spine interfaces to restore movement in paralyzed individuals. Meanwhile, in Germany, companies like CereGate are exploring different methods of neural interfacing. 

Ethical Concerns 

The efforts led mainly by Paradromics and Neuralink sparked ethical questions. Although companies are justifying this race by emphasizing medical applications, this field raises questions about privacy and societal impacts. 

Musk previously said that one day, BCIs can enable telepathic communication or memory storage. However, critics argue that Neuralink’s marketing is a ‘show’ or a “neuroscience theater,” as described by the MIT Technology Review. 

While brain implants might help treat neurological disorders, experts still warn that their broader adoption for human enhancement remains speculative. 

Many doctors and specialists also warned that commercial neurotechnology firms depend on techno-optimism without peer-reviewed data. Additionally, these implantable devices always carry the risk of infections, immune responses, and the risk of damaging brain tissue. 

Growing Investments

The recent Saudi partnership with Paradromics is not just a business deal. The kingdom entered a field that will transform human-machine interaction, and they will be more than observers in this race. 

With all the unresolved engineering and biological challenges, it is uncertain whether the recent efforts will turn into real-world breakthroughs.