Key facts
- China has approved the world's first invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) device for patients with spinal cord injuries.
- The device, named NEO, was developed by Neuracle Technology and Tsinghua University.
- NEO is designed for patients with paralysis in all limbs due to spinal cord injuries who retain some arm function.
- NEO's less invasive design, placing sensors on the dura mater, may have contributed to its faster regulatory approval compared to competitors like Neuralink.
- China has launched the world's first commercial insurance policy covering BCI implantation surgery.
- The BCI sector has been designated as a future industry in China's government work report.
China has achieved a significant milestone in neurotechnology with the approval of the world's first invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) device for patients suffering from spinal cord injuries. The device, named NEO, was developed by Shanghai-based startup Neuracle Technology in collaboration with researchers at Tsinghua University.
Dong Hui, a 39-year-old man paralyzed from the neck down after a car accident, became one of the first recipients of the NEO implant. Following an 11-month rehabilitation period enabled by the device, Dong was able to write his name, a feat previously impossible due to his inability to use his fingers.
The NEO device, which is coin-sized, features sensors placed on the dura mater, the brain's outer protective layer. Brain signals are transmitted to a computer, which translates them into commands for a robotic glove used in daily training sessions. Dong reported successfully grabbing a ball with his hand without the glove just nine days into his training.
NEO's approval by China's National Medical Products Administration positions it ahead of competitors like Elon Musk's Neuralink. Experts suggest NEO's relatively less invasive design, which avoids direct penetration of the brain cortex, may have contributed to a faster regulatory pathway compared to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's process. This approach potentially reduces risks such as hemorrhage and long-term signal degradation.
Further underscoring China's commitment to BCI development, PICC Property and Casualty has launched the world's first commercial insurance policy covering BCI implantation surgery. The BCI sector has also been designated as a future industry in China's government work report, signaling strong governmental support.
At the 2026 Zhongguancun Forum, other domestically developed BCI systems like 'Beinao-1' were showcased. 'Beinao-1,' a semi-invasive system, has been implanted in seven patients who have reportedly regained movement and speech functions. 'Beinao-2' is slated for clinical verification this year. China faces a substantial patient population with neurological conditions, including over 3.7 million individuals with spinal cord injuries, presenting a significant market for BCI technology.