Samsung and Neuralink: Musk’s Brain-Chip Firm Turns to 4 nm Production

Samsung Electronics has reportedly received its first contract manufacturing order for Neuralink chips, according to The Korea Economic Daily. Neuralink, Elon Musk’s company, is developing implantable brain-computer interfaces. For Samsung Foundry, this is an important deal not only technologically: it also tightens the Korean manufacturer’s ties with Musk’s businesses.

The order concerns a fourth-generation chip for Neuralink devices. It is expected to be made on Samsung’s 4 nm process, with mass production planned for late 2027. Trial production, according to the source, began in May 2026.

Neuralink was founded by Musk in 2016 and develops implantable neural interfaces. These systems are meant to help people with neurological disorders, while the company’s longer-term vision points to more direct interaction between humans and computers. For devices like these, chips are especially critical: they must be compact, energy-efficient and reliable enough to work in a medical environment.

This is not Samsung’s first major contract involving Elon Musk’s companies. The South Korean manufacturer had already become a chip supplier for Tesla, including an order for the AI6 processor, previously referred to as HW6. In addition, Samsung and Tesla reportedly discussed closer cooperation on optimizing the plant in Taylor, Texas.

The new Neuralink order could strengthen Samsung Foundry’s position after several years of heavy losses and fierce competition from TSMC. Since 2022, Samsung’s foundry business has reportedly lost trillions of won, but the market is still watching for a possible return to profitability by 2027.

Samsung Foundry’s next steps will largely depend on major orders, yields on advanced process nodes and the launch of its US plant in Taylor. Contracts with Tesla and Neuralink will not solve every problem on their own, but they show Samsung trying to secure niches where specialized chips are needed for AI, transport and neurotechnology.