China’s Brain Chip Beinao No.1 Poised to Surpass Neuralink in Human Implants
A collaboration between the Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech plans to implant its brain chip, Beinao No.1, into 13 patients by the end of this year. With three implants already completed, the Beijing-based team aims to outpace Elon Musk’s Neuralink in human brain-computer interface (BCI) trials.
Beinao No.1 Gaining Ground in BCI Research
Beinao No.1 is a semi-invasive, wireless brain chip designed to assist patients with paralysis. In recent trials, it enabled users to control a robotic arm and transmit thoughts onto a computer screen. Videos released by state media showed participants using the chip to pour water using robotic assistance.
Luo Minmin, who serves as both CIBR director and NeuCyber’s chief scientist, stated the project has attracted significant attention since the trials were announced. “We have received countless pleas for help,” Luo said during the Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing.
So far, three patients have received Beinao No.1. Another ten are scheduled by year-end. If successful, this would make it the most widely implanted BCI chip globally.
Plans for Expanded Clinical Trials in 2025
Looking ahead, NeuCyber plans to launch formal clinical trials involving about 50 patients in 2025, pending regulatory approval. Luo did not reveal details about funding or the expected duration of the trials.
Currently, the US-based Synchron leads BCI human trials with ten patients, while Neuralink has implanted three. Unlike Neuralink’s fully invasive chip, Beinao No.1 sits on the brain’s surface, reducing risk but slightly compromising signal quality.
Future Developments and Global Competition
CIBR and NeuCyber are also developing Beinao No.2, an invasive chip more similar to Neuralink’s. It has been successfully tested on a monkey, which used it to control a robotic arm. A wireless human-ready version is expected within 12 to 18 months.
NeuCyber is state-owned, operated by the Zhongguancun Development Corporation, which reported over 9 billion yuan ($1.24 billion) in 2023 revenue. The firm is actively seeking forward-looking investors to support long-term goals. Luo emphasised that Beinao’s focus remains medical, not military, targeting conditions like paralysis.
With global interest in brain-computer interface technology growing, China’s push into human BCI trials signals its intent to become a leader in neurotechnology.
with inputs from Reuters
