From March 25 to 29, the ZGC Forum took place in Beijing, showcasing a wide range of brain-computer interface (BCI) products, from specialized microchips to rehabilitation systems. The event attracted significant attention, reports China.org.

“The technology is advancing rapidly, and its applications are expanding,” said Zhao Jizong, a neurosurgery expert and academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Among the showcased solutions, two developments stood out: Beinao-1 and Beinao-2. The former is a semi-invasive system that has been implanted in seven patients, all of whom successfully recovered and partially regained motor and speech functions.

Beinao-2 is an invasive implant with flexible electrodes that integrates fully into the brain. It is currently undergoing extensive animal testing. Its developer, NeuCyber Neurotech, stated that their product lags behind Neuralink's technology by about three years.

The advantage of Elon Musk's solution is that its surgical robot can insert hundreds of electrodes into the brain in just minutes for the N1 chip.

Beinao-2 is expected to enter clinical trials in 2026.

BCI creates a direct communication channel between the brain and external devices. The system records and interprets signals from the head, allowing users to “communicate” directly with machines. This enables patients to control various devices.

China has implemented several policies to support BCI research and adoption, officially recognizing this sector as a priority for the future.

During the forum, experts from research institutions, hospitals, universities, and companies exchanged experiences and discussed the development of the technology and its industrial applications.

Gu Xiaosong, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, noted that since 2025, BCI development in China has significantly accelerated, 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 or research departments. Solutions developed in the country are being used for disease diagnosis, motor function recovery, and neuromodulation.

Jizong emphasized that the government faces serious challenges in addressing neurological diseases, with over 3.7 million patients. BCI offers a new avenue for rehabilitation.

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

Experts highlighted ongoing issues, including technology reliability, safety, and ethical concerns.

China on the Brink of a Breakthrough

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

“China has many advantages in this field — a large population, high patient demand, an efficient industry, and a substantial pool of specialists,” the expert noted.

He added that integrating BCI into the insurance system and developing national standards aim to bridge the “huge” gap between scientific research and clinical application.

While American startups like Neuralink focus on invasive chips that penetrate brain tissue, Chinese researchers are also developing surface-implantable and non-invasive solutions with broader clinical application potential.

This approach may lead to signal quality loss but simultaneously reduces the risks of tissue damage and postoperative complications.

It is worth noting that in March, China's regulator approved the first neuroimplant for commercial use in the country.