Elon Musk’s Neuralink announced on Wednesday that it has received approval to begin its first clinical trial in Canada for a brain chip designed to help paralyzed individuals control digital devices using only their thoughts.
The trial will focus on evaluating the safety and initial functionality of the device, which allows people with quadriplegia—paralysis in all four limbs—to interact with external devices via their brain activity. The procedure will be carried out at the University Health Network hospital in Toronto, which was selected to perform the complex neurosurgery involved.
Health Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the approval.
In the U.S., Neuralink has already implanted the device in two patients, with one of them reportedly using it to play video games and create 3D designs.
Founded in 2016 by Musk and a team of engineers, Neuralink is developing a brain-computer interface that can be implanted into the skull. The company aims to help people with disabilities regain movement, communication, and potentially even restore vision. In September, Neuralink received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “breakthrough device” designation for its experimental implant designed to restore vision.
