Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company Neuralink has expanded its human clinical trial programme to include 21 participants worldwide.
As of late January 2026, the trial cohort has grown from 12 participants reported in September 2025 to 21 individuals across multiple sites, marking a significant step in the development of Neuralink’s brain-computer interface (BCI) implants.
The company’s implantable device is designed to assist people with severe neurological impairments, such as spinal cord injuries, by enabling control of digital and physical systems directly through neural activity. Early recipients of the implant have demonstrated the ability to interact with computers, move a cursor and browse the internet using thought alone.
Neuralink began human trials in 2024 after resolving earlier safety concerns raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which initially denied its application in 2022. The current expansion reflects ongoing efforts to gather broader safety and performance data across a larger group of participants, with the company working closely with regulatory bodies and clinical sites.
The growth in enrolment underscores continued interest in brain-computer interfaces as a novel approach to restoring autonomy for individuals with paralysis and related conditions, and positions Neuralink among the most closely watched ventures in the emerging neurotech field.
