China issues development guidelines to accelerate brain computer breakthroughs

Seven Chinese government agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive implementation plan to advance the development of China's brain-computer interface (BCI) industry.

According to the plan, by 2027, China aims to achieve key breakthroughs in core BCI technologies and establish advanced technical standards. Critical components such as electrodes, chips, and integrated devices are expected to reach internationally leading levels, with applications expanding across industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors. The plan also targets the formation of two to three major industrial clusters and the development of new business models and application sectors.

Looking ahead to 2030, the goal is to foster two to three globally influential enterprises, along with a group of specialized small and medium-sized firms, to strengthen its competitive position in the global BCI market.

The guidelines call for the development of advanced BCI chips that can detect more detailed brain activity with greater accuracy, operating at higher speeds with lower power consumption, and ensuring stable, interference-free data transfer between the brain and connected devices.

They also highlight the need to develop auxiliary equipment. Physiological signal-aided equipment will be developed to enhance the accuracy of interactive control and sensory-motor assessment through the integration of multimodal signals, including brain waves (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), electrocardiography (ECG), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

In addition, high-precision surgical robots will be developed to assist with implant procedures, improving both safety and operational efficiency.