Samsung Could Manufacture Neuralink’s 4th-Gen Brain Chip

Samsung is reportedly part of Elon Musk’s push for Neuralink’s chip. The Korean firm is developing cutting-edge brain implant chips through its foundry division using a 4nm process. The mass production of the chip could begin as early as the end of 2027.

Samsung to make next-gen Neuralink brain chips using 4nm process

Founded by Musk in 2016, Neuralink is a neurotechnology company that develops implantable brain-computer interfaces. The company aims to help users control devices using only brain signals, without physical movement. It is now developing its fourth-generation chip for bidirectional communication between the brain and digital devices. Earlier chips could only read brain signals and convert them into device commands.

While TSMC, the leader in the global foundry market, has collaborated with Neuralink up to its third-generation chips, Samsung is now emerging as a key partner. According to a report from Hankyung, the Korean foundry is developing Neuralink’s fourth-generation brain chip. Development began at the end of last year using a 4nm process.

Samsung could ship the test chips in the first half of next year. If performance targets are met, the company may kick off volume production by the end of 2027. Industry watchers believe Neuralink brings Samsung into its supply chain to reduce its dependence on TSMC.

Anyway, this is a good opportunity for Samsung to improve its struggling foundry business. It is worth mentioning that the Korean giant is already involved in other big projects linked to Musk’s companies. Last year, the chipmaker inked a long-term contract worth over $16 billion with Tesla for the next-gen AI6 chips.

These collaborations show Samsung Foundry’s importance in cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing. Unfortunately, the gap with its arch-rival, TSMC, continues to widen in both revenue and market share. Hopefully, next year the gap will narrow as its client base increases in the era of the 2nm node.