Elon Musk’s brain-interface company, Neuralink Corp., has set its sights on implanting brain chips in 20,000 individuals annually by 2031. According to internal documents reviewed by Bloomberg, this ambitious rollout could potentially generate more than $1 billion in yearly revenue.

Although Neuralink has publicly implanted chips in fewer than 10 individuals so far, the company anticipates securing full U.S. regulatory approval by 2029 for its first commercial product. Known as Telepathy, this chip is designed to let users control electronic devices simply by thinking.

Product Pipeline and Expansion Strategy

To achieve this aggressive growth, Neuralink plans to operate five state-of-the-art clinics by 2030. These centers will offer a range of neural implants, each designed for specific medical or technological applications:

• Telepathy – Facilitates brain-to-device communication.

• Blindsight – Aims to restore vision to individuals who are blind.

• Deep – Targets treatment of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors.

By 2030, the firm expects to carry out around 10,000 Telepathy and Blindsight surgeries each year, with Blindsight slated to debut commercially that same year. Based on an estimated $50,000 reimbursement per procedure, these surgeries alone could bring in over $500 million in annual revenue.

Rapid Growth Backed by Strong Funding

To date, Neuralink has raised approximately $1.3 billion in venture funding and has been valued at around $9 billion, according to PitchBook. This places it among the top players in the burgeoning neurotechnology industry, where firms are racing to develop brain-machine interfaces that could revolutionize both medicine and communication.

Pioneering the Brain-Computer Frontier

While Neuralink has achieved some early milestones, the company still faces formidable regulatory obstacles. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to fully approve any permanent brain-computer interface (BCI) for use in humans.

Even so, Neuralink’s early clinical results show promise. Paralyzed volunteers have reportedly used the implant to browse websites, play video games, and even edit videos with their minds. Additionally, the company has tested vision-restoring chips on monkeys as it continues developing the Blindsight product.

A Pattern of Ambition – and Delays

Despite Musk’s record of ambitious innovation, he has often missed self-imposed timelines. For instance, in 2015, Musk claimed Tesla vehicles would be fully autonomous within three years. However, that goal experienced repeated delays, with prototype Robotaxis only beginning test trials in 2025.

Nevertheless, Musk’s bold projections for Neuralink demonstrate his continued belief in the transformative power of brain-interface technology.

Key Developments to Watch

• Neuralink was founded in 2017 with the aim of integrating electrodes into the human brain.

• The company successfully completed its first human implant in January 2024.

• In April 2025, Neuralink launched a global search for volunteers to participate in ongoing trials of its brain-chip technology.

• These devices are being developed not only for brain-controlled computing but also to restore basic functions like vision and mobility in patients with severe neurological impairments.

Looking Forward

As Neuralink moves toward its 2031 goal, its success will depend heavily on regulatory green lights, clinical safety data, and its ability to scale highly complex medical procedures. Nonetheless, if the company delivers on even part of its projections, it could reshape the future of neurotechnology—and human-machine interaction.