China’s race to develop brain-computer interfaces is hitting a noticeable delay compared to the United States, with Chinese startups admitting their neuroimplant technology is about three years behind Elon Musk’s Neuralink. While China has become the second country to authorize human trials of brain implants-and even allowed some commercial use-the leading-edge capabilities remain mostly in the hands of Neuralink, which has already implanted devices in over 20 human patients.
Comparison of Chinese brain implants and Neuralink technology
Chinese startup NeuCyber Neurotech, whose Beinao-2 implants are currently still undergoing extensive animal testing, acknowledges Neuralink as the benchmark. Unlike Neuralink’s sophisticated procedures-facilitated by a custom-built surgical robot placing ultra-thin electrodes into the cerebral cortex-NeuCyber’s approach involves more manual implantations. NeuCyber’s first-generation implant, Beinao-1, has been tested in seven patients who underwent long adaptation periods of up to six months to operate computer cursors through thought alone. This contrasts with Neuralink’s faster human onboarding and more widespread clinical applications.
China’s regulatory environment and clinical focus
China’s regulatory environment is more open in some respects, having become the first country worldwide to authorize commercial use of brain implants-though these applications remain more specialized. The current focus for NeuCyber is motor function restoration, particularly for patients with spinal cord injuries. Government backing includes a substantial $29 million grant aimed at accelerating development and deployment.
Plans for expanded clinical trials and future development
NeuCyber aims to ramp up its clinical trials in 2026, expanding Beinao-1’s user base to potentially 50 participants. If successful, China’s implants might surpass Neuralink in scale, even if the technology still lags by years. Transition to human clinical trials for the next-generation Beinao-2 device is not expected for at least two more years, embedding this delay more firmly.
Neuralink’s continued lead in brain-computer interfaces
Meanwhile, Neuralink continues to edge forward-its combination of robotic precision in implantation and smoother patient adaptation keeps it out front. China’s more cautious, government-supported path may eventually yield competitive solutions, but the gap remains clear: at least three years behind the US leader in brain-computer interface innovation.