China has approved the world’s first invasive brain-computer chip—here’s what’s next

China's Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interfaces: What's Next

In a groundbreaking development, China has approved the world's first invasive brain-computer chip, marking a significant milestone in the field of neurotechnology. The implant, known as NEO, was developed by Neuracle Technology, a Shanghai-based startup, in collaboration with researchers at Tsinghua University in Beijing. This approval paves the way for large-scale manufacturing and clinical use of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in China, with far-reaching implications for patients with paralysis and other neurological disorders.

A New Era for BCIs

NEO's approval is a testament to China's commitment to developing cutting-edge neurotechnology. The device is designed to help patients with paralysis in their limbs due to spinal cord injuries, and its approval marks a significant step forward in the field of BCIs. According to Wang Shouyan, a neuroscientist at Fudan University in Shanghai, "Even though research and development on BCIs has taken place for several decades, most of it happened in the lab. The news means that BCIs are now ready for large-scale manufacturing and clinical use in China."

How NEO Works

NEO is a coin-size device that consists of sensors that collect brain signals, which are then transmitted to a computer by an implant placed on the skull. The computer translates the signals into commands for a soft robotic glove worn by the patient during training sessions. The device is designed to help patients learn to control their hands and fingers, enabling them to perform daily tasks such as dressing, eating, and writing.

A Personal Story of Hope

For Dong Hui, a 39-year-old patient who underwent the clinical trial for NEO, the device has brought new hope and a sense of independence. Dong had sustained spinal cord injuries in a car accident six years earlier, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. With the help of NEO, he was able to write his name and the date, a feat he thought was impossible. "I couldn't believe I was able to write again. I was so excited I even missed a stroke in my name," he said in an interview with MIT Technology Review.

China's Ambition in Neurotechnology

China's approval of NEO is part of a broader ambition to become a global leader in neurotechnology. The country's latest five-year plan lists BCI as one of six key industries important to China's future tech competitiveness, alongside quantum technology, humanoid robots, and others. Several Chinese startups, including NeuroXess and StairMed, have already worked in the field for many years, and the government's support is expected to accelerate the growth of the industry over the next five years.

Implications for Patients and Healthcare

The approval of NEO has significant implications for patients with paralysis and other neurological disorders. The device has the potential to improve the quality of life for thousands of patients, enabling them to perform daily tasks and regain independence. Additionally, the development of BCIs like NEO is expected to drive innovation in the field of neurotechnology, leading to new treatments and therapies for a range of neurological conditions.

Forward-Looking Thoughts

As China continues to push the boundaries of neurotechnology, it is likely that we will see significant advancements in the field of BCIs. The approval of NEO is a testament to the potential of neurotechnology to improve human lives, and it is an exciting time for patients, researchers, and healthcare professionals alike. As Avinash Singh, a BCI researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, noted, "There is no comparable national-level ambition or coordinated map elsewhere in the world at the moment. China's decision to double down on becoming a global leader in the field owes in part to what these companies have already accomplished."

Conclusion

The approval of NEO marks a significant milestone in the field of neurotechnology, and it has far-reaching implications for patients with paralysis and other neurological disorders. China's commitment to developing cutting-edge neurotechnology is expected to drive innovation and lead to new treatments and therapies for a range of neurological conditions. As we look to the future, it is clear that neurotechnology will play an increasingly important role in improving human lives, and the approval of NEO is a testament to the potential of this field to make a real difference.

Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/06/01/1138133/china-world-first-brain-chip/