China's Tech Mosaic: Brain-computer interface technology advances from R&D to clinical trials

Editor's note: China is not one innovation story but many – emerging from local areas across the nation. In this series, we bring you those stories as pieces of a larger mosaic that, when put together, reveal the full picture of a country on the move.

China is placing high importance on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, officially included in the 2026 government work report, with Chongqing advancing it from research and development (R&D) to clinical trials and showing early signs of practical success.

On March 26, at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Mr. Wang (pseudonym), a patient recovering from stroke sequelae, underwent rehabilitation training using BCI technology under medical supervision. Powered by brainwaves and wearable devices, Wang was able to move his limbs without exerting active physical effort.

A stroke had left Wang with weakness in his left leg. After learning online and from friends that BCI technology could help his condition, he sought treatment at the hospital. "Before the treatment, my leg felt weak. After the training, I felt more relaxed and had a bit more strength when walking. The results are quite positive," Wang shared regarding his experience.

BCI technology essentially establishes a direct communication pathway between the brain and external devices. By identifying brain signals, interpreting the brain's intentions, and translating them into computer commands, it enables interaction between humans and machines or the external environment.

This technology is applicable in the treatment and rehabilitation of neurological conditions, such as stroke sequelae and Parkinson's disease, helping patients improve limb function and enhance their overall quality of life.

BCIs are primarily categorized into non-invasive and invasive types. Non-invasive BCIs do not require brain surgery, achieving therapeutic effects through wearable devices. Invasive BCIs involve surgically implanting electrodes directly into the brain to interface with neurons and record neural activity.

The fundamental difference between the two lies in the precision of brain signal acquisition, with invasive methods offering higher signal accuracy.

Chen Yangmei, Director of Neurology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, explained that the working principle remains the same for both invasive and non-invasive BCIs. The system first reads brain signals, primarily brainwaves, along with other neural data. It then interprets the meaning of these signals through post-processing and ultimately connects them to a machine. This is the core logic of a BCI.

Globally, BCI technology is rapidly accelerating from R&D toward clinical trials and commercialization, presenting immense market potential.

According to market research firm Precedence Research, the global BCI market was valued at $2.94 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $3.33 billion in 2026. By 2035, it is expected to reach approximately $13.86 billion, representing a compound annual growth rate of 16.77% from 2026 to 2035.

A massive patient population provides a strong clinical demand for the development of the BCI industry. The Global Status Report on Neurology, published by the World Health Organization in 2025, indicates that neurological disorders affect over 40% of the global population. More than 3 billion people suffer from these conditions, resulting in over 11 million deaths worldwide annually.

Within this billion-dollar sector, Elon Musk's Neuralink stands out as the most prominent player. Musk recently announced that Neuralink will begin mass-producing BCI devices in 2026.

Meanwhile, the firm advances a highly simplified, nearly fully automated surgical process to significantly lower the trauma threshold of invasive procedures. Bolstered by a $650 million Series E funding round completed in 2025, Neuralink applies highly automated engineering principles to drive practical application of its technology.

Despite promising prospects, BCI technology still faces unresolved challenges. Chen noted that several hurdles remain, such as interpreting signals after flexible electrodes are implanted in the brain, improving brain signal decoding technology and advancing computing power and software optimization. There remains room for and a necessity of further improvement in these areas.

(Video courtesy of Western China International Communication Organization)