In a groundbreaking interview with CNN on May 28, 2025, Luo Minmin, director of the Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and chief scientist at NeuCyber NeuroTech, posed a provocative question that reverberates through the world of neuroscience and technology: Will the United States or China lead the race in developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology? This question challenges the ambitions of industry giants like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, spotlighting an intensifying global competition to harness the power of the human brain through advanced neural implants. As both nations push the boundaries of BCI, the implications for medicine, technology, and society are profound. This article explores the current state of the brain chip race, Luo’s insights, and the broader context of this technological showdown.

The Rise of Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-computer interfaces represent a frontier in neuroscience, enabling direct communication between the human brain and external devices. By decoding neural signals, BCIs can translate thoughts into actions, such as controlling a computer cursor, typing text, or even restoring lost functions like speech or movement for patients with neurological disorders. The potential applications are vast, from treating conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to enhancing cognitive abilities or integrating human intelligence with artificial systems.

The United States has long been a leader in BCI research, with companies like Neuralink and Synchron pioneering invasive and non-invasive technologies. Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, aims to create implants that allow users to control devices with their thoughts, with initial trials focusing on patients with paralysis. As of May 2025, Neuralink has implanted its devices in five patients, demonstrating promising results in detecting neuron spikes and enabling basic functions like cursor control. Synchron, backed by investors like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has conducted trials with 10 patients, focusing on less invasive methods that place implants on the brain’s surface.

However, China is rapidly closing the gap. The Chinese Institute for Brain Research, established in 2018 by the Beijing municipal government and local universities, has made significant strides through its spin-off company, NeuCyber NeuroTech. Their flagship product, Beinao-1, a coin-sized wireless BCI implant, has also been tested in five patients, matching Neuralink’s trial numbers as of May 2025. This convergence of progress underscores the competitive nature of the field, with both nations vying for supremacy.

Luo Minmin’s Vision and the Beinao-1 Breakthrough

Luo Minmin, a neuroscientist with a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and nearly a decade of experience in the US, is at the forefront of China’s BCI efforts. During his rare interview with CNN, conducted at CIBR’s lab an hour’s drive from Beijing’s Xuanwu Hospital, Luo highlighted the transformative potential of BCI technology. He described a clinical trial where a 67-year-old woman with ALS, unable to speak for years, used the Beinao-1 implant to express the phrase “I want to eat” in Chinese characters on a computer screen. This demonstration, captured on video in March 2025 by Beijing Radio and Television Station, showcased the implant’s ability to decode neural signals with “high accuracy” and translate them into text or machine movements.

Luo emphasized the urgent demand for BCI solutions, noting that his team was “overwhelmed” by requests from potential patients. “The patients were saying that this feels so great, like they can gain or regain the control of their muscles,” he told CNN. This emotional resonance underscores the human impact of BCI technology, particularly for those with debilitating conditions like ALS, which progressively robs individuals of motor functions. Luo’s team is now planning to accelerate human trials, aiming to implant Beinao-1 in 50 to 100 more patients over the next year, with the goal of proving the technology’s safety and efficacy for global clinical use.

Comparing Beinao-1 and Neuralink: Apples and Oranges?

While both Beinao-1 and Neuralink aim to revolutionize human-computer interaction, Luo cautions against direct comparisons, describing them as “apples and oranges.” The two systems differ significantly in design and approach. Neuralink’s implants, which use “ultra-fine” threads inserted deep into the brain, target specific neurons with high precision, aiming to capture detailed signals. This invasive method, which places chips inside the dura mater (the brain’s protective layer), allows for stronger signal capture but carries greater surgical risks. In contrast, Beinao-1 records signals from a wider range of brain areas with lower precision per neuron, potentially offering a broader but less granular understanding of neural activity. Additionally, the systems differ in implant location and data transmission methods, reflecting distinct engineering philosophies.

Luo argues that these differences make the technologies complementary rather than competitive. “All in all, I don’t think these two products are in a competitive or exclusive relationship,” he told CNN. “The jury is still out, and we don’t know yet which route will ultimately benefit patients better.” This perspective highlights the experimental nature of BCI development, where multiple approaches may coexist to address diverse medical needs.

The US-China BCI Race: A Global Perspective

Despite China’s rapid progress, Luo acknowledges the US as the “front-runner” in both invasive and non-invasive BCI technologies, citing its longer history and established infrastructure. Neuralink’s FDA approval for human trials in 2023 and its first successful implantation in January 2024 marked significant milestones. Synchron’s trials, with 10 patients as of May 2025, further demonstrate the US’s robust ecosystem, supported by private investment and academic research.

However, China’s advancements are notable, particularly in commercialization and scalability. Maximilian Riesenhuber, a neuroscience professor at Georgetown University, told CNN that China has shown the ability to “not just catch up, but also then be competitive, and now actually to drive the field in some areas.” A 2024 research brief by Riesenhuber and his Georgetown colleagues found that China’s non-invasive BCI research is “comparable in sophistication” to that of the US and the UK, while its invasive research is “approaching global standards.” This progress is bolstered by significant government investment and a focus on practical applications, as evidenced by CIBR’s incubation of NeuCyber NeuroTech in 2023.

China’s BCI efforts also benefit from innovations in related fields. For instance, StairMed, a Shanghai-based medical-technology company, has developed a smaller, less invasive BCI device compared to Neuralink’s, with fewer probes but potentially easier implantation. Researchers like Zhengwu Liu from the University of Hong Kong and Christian Herff from Maastricht University note that China is advancing algorithms for decoding neural data and improving implantation devices, positioning it as a formidable player.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

The race to develop BCI technology is not without challenges. Both US and Chinese researchers must balance effectiveness with safety, as invasive implants carry risks of infection, rejection, or long-term complications. Riesenhuber noted that most American firms opt for invasive methods to achieve better signal quality, while Chinese devices like Beinao-1 may prioritize less invasive approaches to reduce risks. This trade-off underscores the need for rigorous clinical trials to ensure patient safety.

Ethical questions also loom large. BCIs raise concerns about privacy, as devices that read neural signals could potentially access sensitive thoughts or data. The technology’s potential to enhance cognitive abilities or integrate with AI systems further complicates the ethical landscape, prompting debates about regulation and oversight. Both nations will need to address these issues as BCI moves toward widespread adoption.

Who Will Win the Race?

Luo Minmin’s question—Will the US or China cross the finish line first?—captures the stakes of this technological race. While the US currently leads in innovation and infrastructure, China’s rapid progress, government support, and focus on commercialization make it a strong contender. The success of Beinao-1 in enabling ALS patients to communicate demonstrates China’s ability to deliver tangible results, while Neuralink’s ambitious vision pushes the boundaries of what BCIs can achieve.

Rather than a zero-sum competition, the BCI race may yield collaborative benefits. As Luo suggests, different approaches could serve complementary purposes, addressing diverse medical and technological needs. For patients like the 67-year-old woman in Beijing, the real victory lies in regaining lost abilities, regardless of which nation leads the charge. As both countries accelerate their efforts, the world watches closely, eager to see how this transformative technology will reshape the future.