The Chinese government is moving to formalize the brain-computer interface (BCI) industry through a new regulatory framework. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the goal is to create or revise more than 40 national standards for the sector by 2028. This move is designed to encourage at least 100 companies to adopt these standardized practices, effectively creating a roadmap for the commercialization of neurotechnology.

This policy push reflects a broader strategic effort to compete with international leaders in the field, specifically Elon Musk’s Neuralink. While Neuralink has garnered significant global attention for its human trials and hardware advancements, Chinese start-ups are increasingly positioning themselves to challenge this dominance. By setting clear technical and safety standards, Beijing hopes to streamline the development process and provide a structured environment for domestic firms to scale their operations. The draft guidelines suggest that China intends to take an active role in shaping global BCI standards, signaling a shift from experimental research toward mass-market application.