China has opened the market for brain implants to rehabilitate paralyzed patients

Chinese startup Neuracle Technology receives approval for commercial use of brain implants

American company Neuralink continues to demonstrate impressive results in using neurointerfaces to treat severe injuries and diseases. This forces competitors worldwide to accelerate their own developments. In China, the Shanghai-based startup Neuracle Technology recently received approval from local regulators, opening the way for commercial deployment of its brain implants.

What does Neuracle technology do?
* Purpose – restore partial mobility of the upper limbs in patients with partial paralysis.
* Key function – control a robotic “glove” that mimics human wrist kinematics.
* Working principle – an implant placed in the patient’s brain sends signals to a glove attached directly to the hand. If the upper part of the arm still moves, the patient can grasp and hold objects.

Clinical trials
* Participants – 36 patients with partial loss of mobility due to spinal cord injuries.
* Result – the implant’s ability to transmit commands that allow manipulation was proven.

Government support and strategic status
China has classified brain‑computer interface development as one of six priority economic sectors. Consequently, the project receives state subsidies and reduced regulatory barriers. The government’s goal is to create companies within China that will become world leaders in this field by the end of the decade.

Limitations and advantages
* Limitation – commercial use is allowed only for patients with preserved mobility of the upper arm, which reduces the potential market.
* Advantage – the implant contains fewer signal electrodes and does not require deep intracortical implantation as more complex Neuralink systems do.

What’s next?
Shanghai-based startup StairMed Technology also develops a neurointerface comparable to Neuralink’s product and is actively raising investments. This year the company plans to implant devices in 40 patients.

Thus, China continues to accelerate brain‑implant development, combining state support with active commercial initiatives, making the country one of the key players in the global race for neurointerfaces.