- China outlined a brain-computer interface roadmap to challenge Neuralink.
- The announcement comes as Neuralink gains FDA approval for human trials of its implantable device.
- The latest government roadmap signals China’s aspiration to lead this frontier.
China’s ministry sets targets to challenge Neuralink
China has unveiled ambitious plans to accelerate the development of its brain-computer interface technologies over the next few years that could directly compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink.
In a policy document published this week, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology outlined key targets for achieving breakthroughs in areas like brain-computer fusion, brain-inspired chips, and neural network models.
The goal is to develop easy-to-use and safe brain interface products with applications in fields such as medical care, autonomous vehicles, and virtual reality.
The announcement comes shortly after Neuralink secured FDA approval in May 2023 to begin human trials of its brain implant device.
Neuralink’s breakthrough and China’s tech aspirations
Neuralink founder Elon Musk stated this week that the company has now successfully inserted its first chip into a human test subject.
China has actively researched brain interface devices in recent years at universities and state-run organizations. This includes spiral electrode devices that can be inserted without surgery and an AI chip dubbed “Brain Talker,” unveiled in 2019.
The latest government roadmap demonstrates China’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in brain-computer interfaces and other cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing by 2027 through major state funding and research prioritization.
