The short version

Alex Kantrowitz predicted on December 23, 2024: “2025: Year of the Brain Computer Interface Noland Arbaugh became Neuralink’s first patient in January 2024, and the company has since done at least one more implantation with plans to expand further in 2025. Next year, we’ll meet many more Noland Arbaughs and the technology will begin to capture the popular imagination. Other…

Prediction by

Alex Kantrowitz

On December 23, 2024

“2025: Year of the Brain Computer Interface Noland Arbaugh became Neuralink’s first patient in January 2024, and the company has since done at least one more implantation with plans to expand further in 2025. Next year, we’ll meet many more Noland Arbaughs and the technology will begin to capture the popular imagination. Other companies outside Neuralink will push the boundaries even further. The concept of restoring vision in the blind will have people buzzing.”

Follow-up

BCI made visible progress and received more mainstream coverage, with Neuralink and peers expanding activity. However, BCI didn't dominate tech discourse in 2025 to the extent implied by 'year of the brain computer interface,' with AI and agentic systems overshadowing it.

From the High Caliber AI network — see the AI for PR module in the course.