China's BCI breakthroughs steal the show at 2026 Zhongguancun Forum

The 2026 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing highlighted China's progress in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Two domestically developed systems, Beinao-1 and Beinao-2, took centre stage at the event. Both innovations demonstrate the country's push to lead in this emerging field.

At the forum, held at the Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, researchers unveiled a range of BCI products. Among them was Beinao-1, a semi-invasive system already implanted in seven patients. All recipients reportedly recovered well, regaining movement and speech functions.

*Beinao-2*, the second system, is set to begin clinical trials later this year. Meanwhile, Zhao Jizong, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, presented the latest advancements in BCI research. His talk followed China's recent approval of the world's first invasive BCI medical device for commercial use. The government has designated BCI as a key future industry in its latest work report. Beijing's Haidian District also announced plans to attract around 100 innovative BCI-focused small and medium-sized enterprises by 2030. Currently, no international partnerships with Chinese BCI developers have been publicly confirmed for accelerating clinical or industrial development.

China's BCI sector is advancing rapidly, with regulatory approvals and clinical trials underway. The successful deployment of Beinao-1 and upcoming tests for Beinao-2 mark significant steps in the field. Local authorities continue to invest in infrastructure and incentives to expand the industry further.