Neuralink finally has a real rival: Paradromics just put a brain chip in its first patient — 2026-06-17

## Short Segments Cybercrime is now a dominant force in Asia's crime landscape, according to Interpol's latest report. In more than half of the surveyed countries, cybercrime accounts for around 30% of all recorded crime. This shift turns digital scams and phishing from mere nuisances into a structural feature of the regional crime economy. As cybercrime becomes a mainstay, Interpol emphasizes the need for a comprehensive societal approach to combat these threats. The report highlights the urgency for member countries to implement stronger measures to detect, disrupt, and deter cybercriminal activities. With cybercrime now a significant part of the crime economy, the focus is on enhancing international cooperation and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks. Offensive cyber weapons are now a billion-dollar business. The startup Twenty, which builds cyber warfare tools, has reached a $1 billion valuation after raising $100 million in a Series B funding round led by Accel. Unlike most cybersecurity firms that focus on defense, Twenty is dedicated to developing offensive capabilities. This funding will accelerate their research and development efforts, positioning them as a key player in the cyber warfare industry. The rise of Twenty underscores a growing interest in offensive cyber capabilities, reflecting a shift in how cybersecurity is approached and valued in the market. Jeff Bezos is backing a Cambridge AI lab, CuspAI, at a $2.6 billion valuation. The startup, which uses AI to design new materials, is in talks to raise $400 million, with Bezos Expeditions leading the round. This investment reflects Bezos's focus on AI applications in the physical world rather than digital interfaces like chatbots. If successful, the funding would more than quadruple CuspAI's valuation from last year. This move highlights the growing interest in AI-driven material science and its potential to revolutionize industries by creating innovative materials. ## Feature Story Paradromics has emerged as a formidable competitor to Neuralink in the brain-computer interface (BCI) arena. The Austin-based neurotech firm has successfully implanted its Connexus brain chip in a human patient, marking a significant milestone in its FDA-approved clinical study. This development positions Paradromics as a serious contender in the race to connect human brains directly to computers, a field previously dominated by Neuralink. The procedure was conducted on a Michigan woman suffering from motor neuron disease, who has lost the ability to speak clearly. The surgery took place at the University of Michigan Health, and the patient will be monitored over the next six years. This initial implantation is a crucial step towards longer trials of the Connexus device, which aims to restore speech and communication for individuals with severe motor impairments. Paradromics's entry into clinical-stage operations intensifies the competition among neurotech innovators. The successful implantation and subsequent removal of the device demonstrate the company's capability to safely conduct such intricate procedures. As the field of brain-computer interfaces expands, the implications for individuals with disabilities are profound. The ability to restore communication and other functions could significantly enhance the quality of life for many. Looking ahead, the focus will be on the outcomes of Paradromics's clinical trials and how they compare to Neuralink's progress. The success of these trials could pave the way for broader adoption of BCI technology, potentially transforming how we interact with machines and each other. As Paradromics and Neuralink continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, the future of neurotechnology holds exciting possibilities for medical advancements and beyond.