Neuralink is one of several companies developing brain-computer interfaces that enable direct communication between the brain and electronic devices.

In a first for the United Kingdom, Neuralink Corp., billionaire Elon Musk’s brain implant company, has announced that a paralysed man can now control a computer using his thoughts after receiving a Neuralink implant at the University College London Hospitals.

Neuralink posted on X, stating, “We’re excited to announce our first participant in the UK!” The company said, “Paul, who is paralyzed due to motor neuron disease, received his Neuralink implant at @uclh earlier this month and was able to control a computer with his thoughts just hours after surgery.”

“He’s now working with our engineers to explore using the implant to play his favorite video games like Dawn of War and perform other tasks that could enrich and restore autonomy in his daily life,” Neuralink added in a series of posts on X.

“This marks an important step toward making our technology available to help people around the world,” the company stated.

In July, Neuralink announced plans to launch a clinical study in Great Britain to test its brain-computer interface technology, partnering with University College London Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals for research. The company had secured $650 million in a funding round in June.

Neuralink is one of several companies developing brain-computer interfaces that enable direct communication between the brain and electronic devices. It has raised more than $1 billion and was valued at $9 billion in its most recent fundraising round, though it has yet to publish peer-reviewed human data, Bloomberg reported.

Outside researchers could use such data to independently assess the efficacy of Neuralink’s technology.

Reports suggest the company aims to implant its chips in 20,000 people per year by 2031, targeting at least $1 billion in annual revenue. “Neuralink has a vision to apply a link to just about anybody who could have a possible need for it,” said Michael Lawton, chief executive officer and president of the Barrow Neurological Institute, a Neuralink clinical trial site.

He added, “They’ve been very meticulous about focusing on diseased patients with disability.” Neuralink’s implant is designed to help people with conditions such as spinal cord injuries. The first patient has already used it to play video games, browse the internet, post on social media, and perform digital tasks.

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