MissedHuman trials by 2020
“We hope to have this aspirationally in a human patient before the end of next year.”
“We've submitted, I think, most of our paperwork to the FDA, and we think probably in about six months we should be able to have our first Neuralink in a human.”
— Elon Musk · Nov 30, 2022 · Neuralink Show and Tell, Fall 2022 (official Neuralink YouTube) ↗
▶ WATCH HIM SAY IT — NEURALINK SHOW AND TELL, FALL 2022 (OFFICIAL NEURALINK YOUTUBE)
What actually happened
At the Nov 30 2022 'Show and Tell' Musk said Neuralink had submitted most FDA paperwork and 'probably in about six months we should be able to have our first Neuralink in a human' (~mid-2023). FDA approval came in May 2023, but the first human implant was actually performed in late January 2024 and announced Jan 29 2024 — about six to seven months past the implied mid-2023 deadline. Delivered late. MobileSyrup, Dec 1 2022 — verbatim Musk 'about six months / first Neuralink in a human' quote from the Nov 30 2022 Show and Tell; first implant Jan 2024 per Wikipedia/Neuralink ↗
The Progression
Nov 30, 2022
The promise: “We've submitted, I think, most of our paperwork to the FDA, and we think probably in about six months we should be able to have our first Neuralink in a human.” · Neuralink Show and Tell, Fall 2022 (official Neuralink YouTube) ↗
2021
Timeline pushed to 2021.
Goalpost #1
Goalpost #1
mid-2023
Timeline pushed to mid-2023.
Goalpost #2
Goalpost #2
2024
Timeline pushed to 2024.
Goalpost #3
Goalpost #3
Jan 28, 2024
Delivered · Late — 0.6 years late. At the Nov 30 2022 'Show and Tell' Musk said Neuralink had submitted most FDA paperwork and 'probably in about six months we should be able to have our first Neuralink in a human' (~mid-2023). FDA approval came in May 2023, but the first human implant was actually performed in late January 2024 and announced Jan 29 2024 — about six to seven months past the implied mid-2023 deadline. Delivered late. MobileSyrup, Dec 1 2022 — verbatim Musk 'about six months / first Neuralink in a human' quote from the Nov 30 2022 Show and Tell; first implant Jan 2024 per Wikipedia/Neuralink ↗
Today · Jun 18, 2026
Status: Delivered · Late · 0.6 years late. It happened — eventually.
Human trials in six months (mid-2023) was unveiled in December 2022 with the notable quote 'We think probably in about six months we should be able to have our first Neuralink in a human.' Elon Musk and Neuralink enthusiasts are affected and waiting. This follows the company's pattern of similar predictions. The prediction matters as it advances brain-computer interface technology, potentially connecting human brains to computers for medical and innovative applications.
Receipts
LAST CHECKED 2026-06-17More from the feed
Missed
MissedHuman trials by late 2021
“Neuralink is working super hard to ensure implant safety & is in close communication with the FDA. If thing…”
goalposts: 2020 → 2021 · moved 1×
DeliveredFirst human implant 2024
“The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Initial results show …”
/// The Daily Verdict
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