Chinese Brain Chip Project Accelerates Human Trials, Challenging Global Competitors

3 Sources

A Chinese brain-computer interface project aims to implant 13 chips by year-end, potentially surpassing Neuralink in patient data collection. The initiative highlights China's push to lead in BCI technology.

News article

Chinese Brain Chip Project Gains Momentum

The Beijing-based Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech have announced ambitious plans to accelerate their brain-computer interface (BCI) project, aiming to implant their Beinao No.1 chip into 13 patients by the end of 2025. This development could potentially position China at the forefront of BCI technology, challenging global competitors like Elon Musk's Neuralink 12.

Current Progress and Future Plans

CIBR and NeuCyber have already successfully implanted their semi-invasive wireless brain chip, Beinao No.1, into three patients over the past month. The project has plans for ten more implants this year, with even more ambitious goals on the horizon. Luo Minmin, director of CIBR and NeuCyber's chief scientist, revealed plans for formal clinical trials involving approximately 50 patients in 2026, pending regulatory approval 13.

Global Competition in BCI Technology

The accelerated pace of human trials by the Chinese team could potentially make Beinao No.1 the brain chip with the highest number of patients worldwide. This development underscores China's determination to catch up with and potentially surpass leading foreign BCI developers 12.

Currently, the U.S. company Synchron leads in human trials with 10 patients across the United States and Australia. Elon Musk's Neuralink has reported three successful implants to date. The Chinese project's rapid progress suggests a shifting landscape in the global race for BCI supremacy 123.

Technological Approaches and Applications

While Neuralink focuses on wireless brain chips inserted directly into the brain for maximum signal quality, CIBR and NeuCyber, along with other competitors, are developing semi-invasive chips placed on the brain's surface. This approach sacrifices some signal quality but reduces the risk of brain tissue damage and post-surgery complications 13.

Recent demonstrations of the Beinao No.1 chip have shown promising results. Patients with paralysis were able to control robotic arms to perform tasks like pouring water, and even transmit their thoughts onto computer screens 12.

Future Developments and Challenges

CIBR and NeuCyber are not resting on their laurels. They are currently developing Beinao No.2, a wireless version similar to Neuralink's product, with human trials expected within the next 12 to 18 months 13.

However, the path forward is not without challenges. Luo emphasized that while there is significant interest from potential investors, partners need to be "forward-looking" and not focused on immediate profits. The commercial applications of BCI technology remain limited in the short term 13.

Implications and Ethical Considerations

As BCI technology advances, it raises important questions about data privacy, especially in the context of state involvement. There are concerns about how collected data might be used, particularly in countries with different approaches to individual privacy 2.

The rapid progress of China's BCI projects also highlights the country's growing influence in key technological industries. This development could have far-reaching implications for global technological leadership and the spread of different values and influences around the world 2.

Explore today's top stories

Google Unveils Gemini 2.5 Deep Think: A Powerful AI Model for Complex Problem-Solving

Google releases Gemini 2.5 Deep Think, an advanced AI model capable of tackling complex problems through parallel thinking and extended processing time, available exclusively to AI Ultra subscribers.

Ars Technica logoTechCrunch logoCNET logo

19 Sources

Technology

20 hrs ago

Google Unveils Gemini 2.5 Deep Think: A Powerful AI Model

OpenAI Secures $8.3 Billion in Funding, Reaching $300 Billion Valuation

OpenAI raises $8.3 billion in a new funding round, valuing the company at $300 billion. The AI giant's rapid growth and ambitious plans attract major investors, signaling a significant shift in the AI industry landscape.

TechCrunch logoCNBC logoThe New York Times logo

10 Sources

Business and Economy

13 hrs ago

OpenAI Secures $8.3 Billion in Funding, Reaching $300

Reddit's AI-Driven Strategy Boosts Revenue and User Engagement

Reddit's Q2 earnings reveal significant growth driven by AI-powered advertising tools and data licensing deals, showcasing the platform's successful integration of AI technology.

TechCrunch logoReuters logoDataconomy logo

7 Sources

Business and Economy

20 hrs ago

Reddit's AI-Driven Strategy Boosts Revenue and User

Vast Data in Talks for Multibillion-Dollar Funding Round, Potentially Valuing AI Storage Startup at $30 Billion

Vast Data, an AI infrastructure provider, is reportedly in discussions with Alphabet's CapitalG and Nvidia for a significant funding round that could value the company at up to $30 billion, marking a major development in the AI storage sector.

TechCrunch logoReuters logoSiliconANGLE logo

5 Sources

Business and Economy

20 hrs ago

Vast Data in Talks for Multibillion-Dollar Funding Round,

Apple's Record Earnings Overshadowed by Tariff Concerns and AI Challenges

Apple reports strong Q3 2025 earnings with record iPhone sales, but faces ongoing challenges from US tariffs and slow progress in AI development.

Reuters logoTom's Guide logoThe Guardian logo

8 Sources

Business and Economy

21 hrs ago

Apple's Record Earnings Overshadowed by Tariff Concerns and
TheOutpost.ai

Your Daily Dose of Curated AI News

Don’t drown in AI news. We cut through the noise - filtering, ranking and summarizing the most important AI news, breakthroughs and research daily. Spend less time searching for the latest in AI and get straight to action.

© 2025 Triveous Technologies Private Limited
Instagram logo
LinkedIn logo