Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain chip startup, announced that it has obtained approval to conduct its first clinical trial in Canada. The trial will explore a device that enables paralyzed individuals to operate digital devices through thought alone.
The Canadian study will assess the implant’s safety and initial functionality. The implant allows people with quadriplegia to control external devices using their thoughts.
According to a separate statement, Toronto’s University Health Network hospital has been chosen to perform the complex neurosurgical procedure.
Health Canada, the regulatory body, has yet to respond to requests for comments.
Neuralink has successfully implanted the device in two patients in the United States. The company reports that the device performs well, with the second trial patient using it to play video games and design 3D objects.
Founded in 2016 by Musk and a team of engineers, Neuralink is also developing a brain chip interface that can be implanted within the skull. This technology could help disabled patients move, communicate, and restore vision. In September, the startup received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “breakthrough device” designation for its experimental implant to restore vision.
