2025 is a crucial year for the clinical application of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology in China. Under policy support, cities like Beijing and Shanghai are actively developing the industry with plans to complete multiple invasive product clinical trials before 2030.
Recently, Mao Ying, the president of Huashan Hospital in Shanghai, revealed that the brain-computer interface clinical cohort study led by Huashan Hospital and Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing has started patient enrollment. This study aims to verify the efficacy and safety of the implantable solution. Shanghai will also establish a specialized branch to integrate industry-academia-research-medical forces.
Nature magazine listed China's implanted brain-computer interface clinical trials as one of the global focal points of 2025. The NEO device developed by Hong Bo’s team from Tsinghua University is planned to enroll 30-50 spinal cord injury patients in domestic multi-center trials before the end of this year, aiming for market approval. The NEO uses epidural implantation, wireless power supply, and has successfully helped paralyzed patients regain partial motor function. Mao Ying's innovation shortens the surgery duration, demonstrating its convenience. Huashan Hospital also collaborates with BrainCo to help aphasic individuals "speak" using language decoding technology.
Multiple clinical trials are advancing domestically. The "Beinan No.1" intelligent brain-computer interface system has completed the first batch of human implants, and formal clinical trials will begin next year. Its wireless version, "Beinan No.2," is under development and has made progress in monkey experiments.
To promote technology transfer, Fudan University established a research center focusing on key technologies. The National Medical Security Administration has also set up an independent medical service price project for brain-computer interface new technologies.
However, experts point out that invasive brain-computer interfaces still face long-term biocompatibility and postoperative immune response safety issues. Ming Dong, vice president of Tianjin University, emphasized that ethical norms must be established to clearly define data privacy and life safety red lines before achieving large-scale technical application.
In summary, 2025 is an acceleration year for the clinical application of brain-computer interface technology in China, with many studies making significant progress and showing great potential. However, safety and ethical issues remain critical priorities for future development.