Valve’s co-founder, Gabe Newell, has ventured into the realm of neuroscience with the creation of Starfish, a company dedicated to advancing brain-interfacing technologies. Launched in 2019, Starfish focuses on innovative ways to interact with the brain, and its first neural interface chip is expected to be released in late 2025.
Newell’s Longstanding Interest in Brain-Computer Interfaces
Newell’s interest in brain-computer interfaces is not a recent development. His fascination with the potential of biometrics in gaming dates back to 2010, and by 2021, he publicly explored the possibilities for integrating these technologies into video games. Starfish represents his deepening commitment to exploring the practical applications of brain-computer interfaces, though the company’s direction differs from other players in the field, including Neuralink.
Starfish’s Innovative Approach to Neural Interface Development
Starfish is pursuing a unique approach to neural interfaces, one that goes beyond simply targeting individual brain regions. Neuroengineer Nate Cermak explained that current technologies often focus on single regions of the brain, but many neurological disorders stem from dysfunctions in the circuits connecting various regions. Starfish is aiming to develop distributed neural interfaces that can read and write to multiple brain regions simultaneously, offering a more comprehensive solution to these complex issues.
The Path Forward: Starfish’s Vision for the Future
Although still in the early stages, Starfish is moving forward with its ambitious goals. The company plans to release its first brain chips in late 2025 and is seeking collaborators in fields like wireless power delivery and neural interface design. Starfish’s work has the potential to unlock new and exciting possibilities for both medical and technological applications.