Brain-chip startup Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has received permission to begin its first human trial, focusing on paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries or ALS. Neuralink, a brain-chip startup founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk , has obtained permission to kick off its first human trial. The focus of the clinical study will be on patients suffering from paralysis caused by cervical spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The announcement came on September 19 although the specific number of participants remains undisclosed. Initially, Neuralink aimed to receive approval for 10 participants, but after safety concerns were raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company found itself negotiating for a smaller participant pool.