China approves string of ‘telepathy’ devices amid push to leapfrog Elon Musk

China’s health authorities have recently granted approvals for a range of brain technology products aimed at treating various conditions, including paraplegia, Alzheimer’s, and depression. The country’s efforts to lead the world in brain-computer interfaces (BCI) have spurred domestic start-ups to develop innovative solutions, receiving generous policy support from local governments and private investors.

Tiankai Suishi Intelligent Technology, a 2023-founded firm, developed a system using electrode-capped caps to assess cognitive impairment in patients. The device, approved by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) on August 19, is currently being tested for a depression diagnosis product. StairMed Technology, backed by Tencent and Alibaba, received approval for a micro-electrode driver in June, aiding BCI implantations during brain surgery.

One trial showed the implant allowing a paraplegic patient to control a digital device using thoughts. Neuracle Medical Technology, based in Shanghai, secured China’s first approval for an implantable BCI device to assist spinal cord injury patients with hand movement. Hangzhou-based BrainCo is developing BCI products for depression screening in collaboration with a hospital affiliated to Beijing’s Capital Medical University.

Local governments are investing in the sector, with Zhejiang province planning to help BCI firms go public and Shenzhen aiming to boost overseas expansion and M&A activities. The aging population in China has led to a surge in neurological disorders, with cases increasing from 329 million in 1990 to 468 million in 2021.