China vs US:Dragon turns human brain into smart business models, challenges Musk’s Neuralink tech

China is preparing to turn the human brain into its next major commercial market. Having designated Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology alongside quantum computing, robotics, and fusion power as key priority industries, Beijing is making an aggressive push to overtake the United States in the sector. BCI devices, which translate brain activity into external commands and vice versa, represent a major new front in the ongoing US-China technology race. While the technology has largely been driven in the West by Elon Musk’s Neuralink—which pioneered wireless brain implant trials—China is deploying state-backed resources to bridge the gap quickly. China’s State-Backed Push: Policy, Education, and Healthcare Beijing is creating an entire ecosystem to support BCI commercialization: Strategic Policy: BCI technology is officially embedded in China’s current Five-Year Plan. National ethical guidelines were established in 2024, followed by standardized hospital billing codes in 2025 to make clinical adoption seamless. Specialized Education: Tianjin University is launching the world’s first undergraduate degree dedicated to BCI engineering this year. Fast-Track Approvals: In March, Shanghai-based Neuracle received approval for the world’s first commercially available semi-invasive BCI implant designed to restore hand mobility. Within two days, health authorities issued a medical insurance code, clearing it for market sales. Provincial Backing: Local governments are competing for investments. Anhui province has set a target to approve three clinical trials for implanted electrodes by 2028. Startup Landscape and Key Players Hundreds of Chinese startups supported by thousands of suppliers are actively competing in the BCI domain: NeuroXess: The first domestic company to complete clinical trials for fully wireless brain implants. StairMed: A prominent startup backed by tech giant Alibaba. Neucyber: A leading state-backed BCI venture. The Three Categories of BCI Tech Used in China China is currently commercializing and researching BCI across three main categories: Consumer Wearables: The Next Retail Frontier While medical implants draw high-level attention, the immediate commercial opportunity lies in non-invasive consumer wearables. Around 20 Chinese companies are already marketing BCI devices directly to consumers. Demonstrating this push, Hangzhou-based startup BrainCo showcased non-surgical bionic limbs that allow amputees to perform fine motor skills like playing the piano.