China approves brain chip devices to rival Elon Musk’s Neuralink

China is accelerating the development and commercialisation of brain-computer interface technology, with several domestic companies receiving regulatory approval for devices as the country seeks to advance a sector also being pursued by Elon Musk’s Neuralink.

Several Chinese brain-computer interface startups have reportedly secured approval from health regulators to sell devices, while insurers have introduced commercial policies covering the invasive surgical procedures required for some implants.

Brain-computer interfaces, commonly known as BCIs, are designed to establish a direct communication link between the brain and external technology. Once implanted, some systems can translate brain activity into digital or physical commands, potentially allowing users to control computers, robotic limbs and other devices. China earlier this year became the first country to approve BCI devices for commercial use and has identified the technology as a strategic industry in its latest five-year plan.

Among the latest products to receive market approval is an electrode-equipped cap developed by Tianjin-based Tiankai Suishi Intelligent Technology. The device, which is already on sale, is designed to help doctors assess and diagnose patients’ cognitive functions. The developments come as companies around the world race to advance brain-interface technology, including Neuralink, founded by Musk.

Musk has previously described Neuralink’s coin-sized implant as a “Fitbit in your skull” and has suggested that future versions could eventually enable closer integration between humans and artificial intelligence. “It could even get to the point where you can upload your memories and essentially have a saved version of yourself… then download that into a robot body or a clone version of your original self,” Musk said during an event last year.

“I’m really getting into sci fi here…. but I do think stuff like that will be possible, which would give people a form of immortality.” Neuralink has already tested its technology in people with paralysis, with trials demonstrating the ability of participants to control computers using brain signals.

In October, the company said more than 10,000 people had signed up to its patient registry to participate in trials of its brain-chip technology. Reports have indicated that at least 26 patients have been enrolled in trials or implanted with Neuralink’s brain-computer interface. Early participants have included people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and quadriplegia. Trials have also demonstrated the technology’s potential to control physical devices, including robotic limbs.

“Participants in our clinical trials have extended digital computer control to physical devices such as assistive robotic arms,” Neuralink said in a social media post in December. “Over time, we plan to expand the range of devices controllable via Neuralink.”

Despite China’s rapid push into the sector, at least one Chinese developer has acknowledged that its technology remains behind Neuralink. Beijing-backed startup NeuCyber Neurotech said earlier this year that its most advanced product was still about three years behind Neuralink’s capabilities.

China’s regulatory approvals and decision to classify brain-computer interfaces as a strategic industry signal a broader effort to accelerate domestic development and commercial adoption of the emerging technology.