China's Neuralink rival bets on brain tech without opening the skull
China is aggressively pursuing non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology as a strategic 'future industry' to compete with Western surgical implants like Neuralink. Startups are focusing on ultrasound and sensor-based devices to restore function and improve mental health, backed by significant government and private funding.
Why it matters
The shift toward non-invasive BCI represents a major technological race between China and the US, with significant implications for medical ethics and consumer health.
As Elon Musk’s Neuralink continues to make headlines for surgically implanted brain chips, China’s emerging rivals are taking a different route and betting that the future of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) will not need opening the skull at all. According to a report by CNBC, the Chinese government has designated BCI as ‘future industry’ in its latest Five-Year Plan, signalling national-level support for neural technology. Regulators recently approved the world’s first minimally invasive BCI device for commercial use, developed by Neuracle Medical Technology, which helps restore hand function after spinal cord injuries. Seven ministries jointly issued an implementation plan last year to fast-track breakthroughs by 2027, while provinces like Anhui have launched action plans to accelerate research, production, and industrialization.The non-invasive revolution Unlike Neuralink’s surgical implants, Chinese startups such as BrainCo, Gestala, and StairMed are focusing on non-invasive or ultrasound-based BCIs.
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