Samsung Secures Neuralink Deal to Develop Next-Generation Brain Chip
Samsung Electronics has secured its first chip development contract from Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk. As a result, the agreement further strengthens Samsung’s growing ties with Musk-linked technology ventures.
According to reports, Samsung Foundry has started research and development on Neuralink’s fourth-generation brain implant chip. The project carries the internal codename “O1” and uses Samsung’s advanced 4nm manufacturing process. Samsung began development work in late 2025, and production of the first test chips started last month.
The company plans to deliver the initial batch of test chips during the first half of 2027. If testing proceeds successfully, mass production could begin in the second half of the same year.
Unlike previous Neuralink chips, the fourth-generation version supports two-way communication. Earlier models primarily interpreted brain signals and transmitted commands to external devices. However, the new chip can also send information back to the brain to trigger physical responses. Consequently, the technology could support applications such as restoring vision by stimulating specific brain neurons.
Neuralink Shifts Manufacturing Away From TSMC
The new agreement appears to move Neuralink’s chip production away from TSMC, which manufactured the company’s third-generation brain chip. While Neuralink has not publicly explained the change, industry observers point to supply limitations at TSMC as a possible factor.
Meanwhile, the contract adds to Samsung’s existing collaboration with Musk-related companies. In July 2025, Samsung signed a $16.5 billion multiyear agreement with Tesla to manufacture AI6 inference chips. Those chips support autonomous vehicles, humanoid robots, and AI data centers. The agreement runs through the end of 2033 and utilizes Samsung’s facility in Taylor, Texas.
Samsung Targets Foundry Growth as Neuralink Advances Trials
For Samsung, the Neuralink contract strengthens its portfolio of major foundry customers. The company continues efforts to improve the performance of its foundry division after several years of financial challenges. At the same time, Samsung expects the business to reach profitability by 2028.
To support that goal, the company plans to invest a record 110 trillion won this year in manufacturing capacity and semiconductor research. Through these investments, Samsung aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding AI chip market.
Neuralink also continues to advance its brain-computer interface program. Musk previously stated that the company would begin high-volume production of its devices in 2026. Additionally, Neuralink has implanted its devices in at least 12 patients with paralysis as part of ongoing clinical trials.
