“The technology is developing rapidly, and its range of applications is expanding,” said neurosurgery expert and Chinese Academy of Sciences academician Zhao Jizong.

Among the solutions presented at the exhibition, two developments drew particular attention — Beinao-1 and Beinao-2. The first is a semi-invasive system that has already been implanted in seven patients. All of them recovered successfully and partially regained motor and speech functions.

Beinao-2 is an invasive implant with flexible electrodes designed for full brain integration. It is currently undergoing large-scale animal testing. Its developer, NeuCyber Neurotech, stated that the product is about three years behind Neuralink’s technology.

The advantage of Elon Musk’s company lies in its surgical robot, which can insert hundreds of electrodes into the brain within minutes for the N1 chip.

Beinao-2 is expected to move to clinical trials in 2026. Brain–computer interfaces create a direct communication channel between the brain and external devices. The system records and interprets signals from the brain, allowing users to interact directly with machines and control various devices.

China has introduced a number of policies to support BCI research and implementation. The sector has officially been included in the list of priority industries of the future.

At the forum, experts from research institutes, hospitals, universities, and companies exchanged experience and discussed technological development and industrial applications.

Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Gu Xiaosong noted that since 2025, BCI development in China has accelerated significantly, with many technologies moving to the applied verification stage and already demonstrating impressive results.

In recent years, medical institutions in Beijing, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Nanjing, and other cities have opened specialized BCI clinics and research departments. Domestic solutions are already being used for disease diagnostics, motor recovery, and neuromodulation.

Zhao Jizong emphasized that China faces serious challenges related to neurological diseases, affecting more than 3.7 million patients. BCI technology offers new rehabilitation opportunities.

Local authorities across China are building infrastructure to support the sector. Lin Han, deputy head of Beijing’s Haidian district, reported that 27 BCI companies are already operating in the region. By 2030, authorities plan to attract around 100 innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and achieve widespread adoption of BCI products in medicine, rehabilitation, industry, and education.

Experts also highlighted ongoing challenges, including reliability, safety, and ethical considerations.

China Close to a Breakthrough

Yao Dezhong, director of the Sichuan Institute of Neuroscience, stated that practical BCI applications in China could begin within three to five years.

“China has many advantages in this field — a large population, strong patient demand, an efficient industrial base, and a large talent pool,” the expert noted.

According to him, integrating BCI into insurance systems and developing national standards will help close the “huge” gap between scientific research and clinical application.

While U.S. startups such as Neuralink focus primarily on invasive chips that penetrate brain tissue, Chinese researchers are also developing surface-implant and non-invasive solutions with broader clinical potential.

This approach may reduce signal quality but also lowers risks of tissue damage and post-surgical complications.