Beijing – A Chinese research institute and tech company announced on Monday their plans to implant brain chips in 13 people by the end of this year, a move that could surpass Elon Musk’s Neuralink in patient data collection.
The Beijing-based Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and Neucyber Neurotech have already implanted their semi-invasive wireless brain chip, “Benao No. 1,” in three patients over the past month and are preparing for 10 more implantations this year, according to Luo Minmin, Director of CIBR and Chief Scientist at Neucyber.
Clinical Trials Planned for 50 Patients
Neucyber, a government-backed Chinese company, is eyeing larger trials. Luo stated at the tech-focused Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing that formal clinical trials involving around 50 patients will commence next year after receiving regulatory approval.
The Global Competition
Currently, Synchron, a U.S.-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) company backed by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, leads the global race in human trials. It has implanted brain chips in 10 patients, six in the U.S. and four in Australia. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Neuralink has implanted chips in three patients so far.
Development of Wireless Brain Chips
Neuralink is focused on fully wireless brain chips implanted inside the brain to maximize signal quality. In contrast, its competitors are working on semi-invasive chips placed on the brain’s surface, which slightly reduces signal quality but minimizes tissue damage and post-surgical complications.
Earlier this month, Chinese state media released a video showing a paralyzed patient using “Benao No. 1” to operate a robotic arm and pour water into a cup. The patient was also able to transmit thoughts onto a computer screen. “We have received countless requests for assistance after the success of ‘Benao No. 1’ in human trials,” said Luo.
Monkey Trials and Future Plans
Before starting human trials, CIBR and Neucyber had tested their invasive chip, “Benao No. 2,” on a monkey last year. The primate successfully controlled a robotic arm. Luo revealed that “Benao No. 2” is a wireless version similar to Neuralink’s product and is expected to enter human trials within the next 12 to 18 months.
Future Prospects
Synchron recently partnered with Nvidia to integrate the chipmaker’s AI platform into its BCI system. Meanwhile, CIBR and Neucyber are actively engaging with investors and seeking funding. “Companies partnering with ‘Benao’ must have a visionary approach,” Luo emphasized. He also clarified that “Benao” has no ties to the Chinese military and is solely focused on helping patients suffering from various forms of paralysis.
Neucyber is owned by Zhongguancun Development Corporation, which generated over 9 billion yuan ($1.24 billion) in revenue in 2023.
