Neuralink partners with Spain California on bionic eye project aiming $1B revenue by 2031

Neuralink, Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company, has announced a collaboration with research teams in Spain and California to develop a “Smart Bionic Eye,” leveraging brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to restore vision for blind patients. The clinical trial, listed on ClinicalTrials.gov in July under the University of California at Santa Barbara, aims to explore how artificial intelligence can integrate with neural systems to enable visual perception [1]. This initiative marks a pivotal step in Neuralink’s broader vision to merge human cognition with advanced technology, expanding beyond its earlier focus on motor function restoration for paralyzed patients [3].

The project, tied to Neuralink’s Blindsight vision chip, seeks to implant devices that process visual data directly into the brain’s visual cortex. While the trial has not yet enrolled Neuralink patients, enrollment is currently by invitation only, and human testing remains pending regulatory approval [1]. The technology is designed to help users recognize faces, navigate outdoor environments, and read text, with Neuralink targeting a 2030 launch for Blindsight [1]. The company also outlined revenue projections, including $1 billion in annual sales by 2031, contingent on scaling to 20,000 surgeries per year across five large clinics [1].

Neuralink’s pipeline includes additional BCI projects. Telepathy, a device enabling mind-controlled external devices, is projected to reach 2,000 surgeries annually by 2029, generating $100 million in revenue, while Deep, intended for Parkinson’s treatment, remains in earlier stages. These ambitions are underpinned by Neuralink’s $9 billion valuation and $1.3 billion in investor funding, yet none of its devices have received FDA approval for permanent human use [1].

Despite optimistic forecasts, Neuralink’s progress in human trials has been limited. To date, fewer than 10 individuals have received its implants, all for motor function restoration, with no confirmed cases tied to the bionic eye or Parkinson’s projects. The lack of FDA clearance and technical challenges—such as translating visual signals into interpretable neural patterns—pose significant hurdles. Spain’s participation highlights its growing role in neuroprosthetics research, while California’s involvement reflects its entrenched leadership in tech-driven medical innovation [3].

Musk’s history of delayed timelines raises questions about feasibility. For example, Tesla’s fully autonomous driving features, promised in 2015, only began road testing in 2024. Neuralink’s bionic eye project faces similar skepticism, particularly as regulatory reviews for BCI safety and efficacy remain ongoing. The company has not disclosed a timeline for human trials or commercial deployment [1].

The collaboration underscores Neuralink’s shift toward sensory augmentation, potentially attracting both medical and consumer markets. If successful, the bionic eye could evolve beyond therapeutic use, enabling real-time data visualization or augmented reality applications, further blurring the line between biology and technology [3]. However, the absence of concrete clinical results and the risks associated with pioneering neural interfaces suggest a cautious outlook.

Sources:

[1] [Neuralink teams up with Spain, California for Elon Musk's new ‘bionic eye’ project]

https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-989276-20250726

[2] [Bloomberg News]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloomberg-news

[3] [Elon Musk's Neuralink teams up with Spain, California on 'bionic eye' project]

https://www.cryptopolitan.com/de/neuralink-spain-california-on-bionic-eye/