Chinas brain-computer interface industry is racing ahead

Published: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4:00 pm

China's Brain-Computer Interface Industry Surges Forward

China's brain-computer interface (BCI) industry is rapidly advancing, moving from research to commercialization with significant government support and investment. A new wave of startups is emerging, developing both implantable and noninvasive BCI technologies. This progress is fueled by several key factors, according to industry experts.

Strong policy support is a primary driver, with cross-department collaboration and the establishment of medical service pricing for BCI, facilitating its inclusion in the national medical insurance system. In August 2025, a national roadmap was released, targeting technical milestones by 2027 and a full supply chain by 2030, with the goal of building globally competitive BCI companies. Furthermore, a substantial brain science fund was announced in December 2025 to support BCI companies.

China's vast clinical resources, including large patient pools and lower research costs, are accelerating clinical trials. The national health insurance system streamlines commercialization once a device is approved. Chinese firms have achieved clinical progress in various areas, including motor and language decoding, spinal cord reconstruction, and stroke rehabilitation.

Mature industrial manufacturing capabilities, spanning semiconductors, AI, and medical hardware, support rapid research and development. Strategic investment, both from state-led funds and private capital, is also surging. Recent funding rounds include a $48 million Series B for StairMed Technology and a $287 million raise for BrainCo. The market is expected to reach over $530 million in 2025, up from $3.2 billion in 2024, with projections exceeding 120 billion yuan by 2040.

BCIs are taking two paths: invasive electrophysiological BCIs, which implant electrodes, and noninvasive systems, which offer greater safety and ease of use. Emerging approaches include ultrasound, magnetoencephalography imaging, and optical methods. Companies like Gestala are developing ultrasound BCIs targeting conditions like chronic pain, stroke, and depression.

Industry insiders anticipate that China's BCI regulations will align more closely with international standards, with a focus on regulatory approval and data sovereignty. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and unified technical standards for clinical evaluation, are also being addressed.

BNN's Perspective:

The rapid advancement of China's BCI industry presents both opportunities and challenges. While the potential for medical breakthroughs and human augmentation is exciting, it's crucial to balance innovation with ethical considerations and data privacy. The government's strong support and investment are accelerating progress, but careful oversight is needed to ensure responsible development and deployment of these powerful technologies.

Keywords: Brain-computer interface, BCI, China, NeuroXess, Gestala, Neuralink, medical technology, healthcare, investment, clinical trials, noninvasive, implantable, ultrasound BCI, policy support, market growth, technology, innovation, medical insurance, ethical considerations, data privacy.

Full Story