China has unveiled new policies to accelerate the development and adoption of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology for medical purposes—a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to lead in cutting-edge healthcare innovation.
The announcement, made on July 1 by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), outlines a framework to support medical devices that use brain signals to control external systems such as robotic limbs and computers.
While policies surrounding BCI are already in place in countries like Canada, the United States, and across the European Union, the global brain-interface community is rapidly expanding. As the number of people with BCI implants approaches 100 worldwide, questions surrounding ethics and ownership are becoming increasingly important.
Brain Computer Interface Technology
BCI technology has transformed the lives of individuals affected by health conditions such as ALS or blindness. As technological advancements continue, BCIs are now enabling people to regain mobility and control through thought-driven devices.
In its statement, the NMPA emphasized its commitment to supporting research into the safety, efficacy, and standardization of BCI-based medical devices, aiming to fast-track their development and integration into China’s healthcare system.
“We will strengthen the standardisation research of new biomedical materials, including medical materials for additive manufacturing, flexible electrodes for brain-computer interfaces, and gene-engineered synthetic biomaterials,” the agency stated.
Ongoing research has shown promising applications of BCIs in aiding patients with neuromuscular disorders such as strokes, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. Experts believe the technology could eventually restore sight or hearing lost due to injury or disease.
Targeting Key Research Areas
The NMPA’s plan also includes promoting research into advanced medical imaging, AI-driven diagnostic tools, and next-generation biomaterials. It stated that medical robots, AI-powered medical devices, and BCIs are “key areas that shape the new quality productive forces of medical device manufacturing.”
Beyond frontier science, the agency also noted it would streamline approval processes for high-cost medical equipment and continue prioritizing the review of innovative devices that are globally leading or represent first-of-their-kind developments within China.
In April, China’s Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech announced plans to implant 13 individuals with BCI devices by the end of the year. They have already completed a successful procedure on a participant known as Beinao No. 1. By comparison, Neuralink has implanted a total of seven individuals, bringing the global number of BCI recipients to fewer than 100.
On February 20, researchers from Tianjin and Tsinghua University announced a major breakthrough: the world’s first two-way adaptive BCI system. Unlike traditional one-way systems, this form of BCI technology gives the ability for the brain and machine to learn from each other. This type of advanced technology could be integrated into wearable devices or other consumer brand possibilities.
Globally, companies such as Neuralink, Synchron, and others are competing for dominance in the emerging BCI market. Synchron, for example, recently announced a collaboration with Apple to develop technology that allows users to control iPhones and other Apple devices using only their thoughts.
Chrissy Newton is a PR professional and founder of VOCAB Communications. She currently appears on The Discovery Channel and Max and hosts the Rebelliously Curious podcast, which can be found on YouTube and on all audio podcast streaming platforms. Follow her on X: @ChrissyNewton, Instagram: @BeingChrissyNewton, and chrissynewton.com.
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