China Approves First Commercial Brain-Computer Interface, Surpassing US Efforts

By: Harsh Vardhan

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Updated on: 08-Jun-2026 05:00 PM

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China has become the first country to approve a commercially available invasive brain-computer interface (BCI), moving ahead of the United States in this advanced technology sector. The device, named NEO, was developed by Neuracle Technology in collaboration with Tsinghua University. It is intended to help people with paralysis regain movement, marking a significant milestone in the brain-chip industry.

Key Highlights

• China approves world's first commercial invasive brain-computer interface called NEO.
• NEO uses eight sensors on the dura mater for lower risk compared to deeper brain implants.
• First clinical trial patient regained hand movement after paralysis from a spinal cord injury.
• NEO received a health insurance code in China to support wider adoption and reimbursement.
• Chinese firms are integrating BCIs with AI for advanced communication and control applications.

China Leads in Brain-Computer Interfaces

The approval was granted in March by China's National Medical Products Administration. NEO is cleared for use in patients aged 18 to 60 who have paralysis in all four limbs due to spinal cord injuries, provided they retain some arm function. This development places China ahead of Elon Musk's Neuralink, which has not yet received similar commercial approval.

NEO uses a less invasive approach compared to Neuralink's N1 implant. While Neuralink places electrodes directly into the brain's cortex, NEO positions eight sensors on the dura mater, the protective membrane covering the brain. This design reduces risks such as bleeding, tissue damage, and long-term scarring, which are associated with deeper brain penetration.

The sensors collect brain signals and transmit them to a computer. The computer then converts these signals into commands for a soft robotic glove, allowing patients to perform everyday tasks. Reports suggest that the less invasive design may have helped NEO move more quickly through regulatory approval.

Clinical Trials and Patient Impact

One of the first recipients of the NEO implant was Dong Hui, a 39-year-old man from Henan province. He was paralyzed from the neck down after a car accident six years ago. Dong underwent surgery in November 2024 as part of a clinical trial and spent nearly a year in rehabilitation. In October, he was able to hold a pen and write his name for the first time since his accident. He described the experience as both emotional and hard to believe.

China has identified brain-computer interfaces as a strategic technology in its latest five-year plan. The country aims to become a global leader in this sector by the end of the decade. After NEO received approval, it was assigned a code in China's health insurance system, an important step for future reimbursement and broader adoption.

Ongoing Research and Future Prospects

Chinese companies are also exploring the integration of BCIs with artificial intelligence. Shanghai-based NeuroXess has conducted early trials where a patient with paralysis used thought alone to move a computer cursor and control household appliances. The company has also developed a large language model that can decode Mandarin speech signals in real time at up to 300 characters per minute. This technology could offer new communication options for people who have lost the ability to speak.

China's rapid progress in BCI technology highlights its commitment to advancing in strategic technology sectors. The approval of NEO marks a significant step in the global race to develop and commercialize brain-computer interfaces.