Shivon Zilis: The Silent Architect Behind Elon Musk's Latest Family Expansion

Shivon Zilis is much more than just Elon Musk’s new baby’s mother. As a senior executive at Neuralink, Musk’s company for brain implant technology, Zilis has made a name for herself in the world of technological innovation. The recent confirmation of the birth of their third child in June 2024 shines a spotlight on a relationship deeply rooted in the world of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology.

From OpenAI Board Member to Neuralink Executive

Shivon Zilis’s career shows a strong connection to the AI industry. Until 2023, she was a board member at OpenAI, the nonprofit research organization dedicated to developing safe artificial intelligence. Elon Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but later lost control of the company—a move that reflects the complexities and conflicting priorities within the tech world. Zilis’s involvement with OpenAI underscores her deep commitment to the responsible development of AI technologies.

Her current role at Neuralink brings her back into Musk’s innovative ecosystem. The company develops brain implants that could help people with paralysis and other neurological conditions—a technology at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Shivon Zilis is at the forefront of this groundbreaking work.

Third Child Together: The Growing Legacy of Zilis and Musk

The relationship between Shivon Zilis and Elon Musk was only revealed to the public when the birth of their twins, Strider and Azure, was disclosed later through court documents—news that only reached the media in summer 2022. Shortly after, their son Techno was born. With the arrival of their third child in early summer 2024, their family chapter continues to expand.

This is Musk’s twelfth child overall—a family spread across multiple partners. His relationship with singer Grimes has produced additional children, including daughter Exa Dark Siderael. Grimes recently emphasized in detailed social media posts her desire for privacy for her family, highlighting the tension between being a public figure and maintaining personal space.

AI Visionaries: Shared Passion for Artificial Intelligence

What connects Elon Musk and Shivon Zilis goes beyond personal feelings—it’s a shared intellectual passion. Both are deeply involved in the AI revolution and understand the transformative power of this technology. While Musk advances his vision through Tesla, Neuralink, and other ventures, Shivon Zilis works behind the scenes on the technological foundations that make this future possible.

Their collaboration at Neuralink unites two visionary minds working at the intersection of humans and machines. Shivon Zilis’s technical expertise and her experience at OpenAI make her an ideal partner to lead such revolutionary projects.

The Desire for Privacy in the Public Eye

Despite all the public interest, both Musk and Shivon Zilis repeatedly emphasize their desire for privacy. Musk explained to the media that the birth was never meant to be a secret—“Anyone close to us knows”—and distinguished between intentional secrecy and the absence of formal public announcements. The name and gender of the newest child have not been disclosed, signaling the boundaries these parents have set.

Shivon Zilis and Elon Musk navigate a unique challenge: they are central figures in tech innovation but wish to keep their family out of the spotlight. Their relationship remains largely private, while their professional synergy shapes the future of artificial intelligence and neurotechnology. In the end, Shivon Zilis’s story not only highlights the personal dimensions of Elon Musk’s life but also the intellectual partnerships driving his most ambitious projects.