By futureTEKnow | Editorial Team
China has achieved a major breakthrough in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, offering new hope for people living with paralysis. Researchers at Nankai University have successfully implanted a BCI device via blood vessels, allowing a paralyzed man to regain movement in his limbs—a world first for this type of procedure.
Unlike traditional brain implants, which require opening the skull and placing electrodes directly on brain tissue (as seen with Neuralink), the Chinese team used a minimally invasive approach. Surgeons inserted a stent electrode through a vein in the patient’s neck, navigating it into the brain’s blood vessels using advanced imaging technology. .
This method reduces surgical risk and recovery time, potentially making BCI technology more accessible to a wider range of patients.
The recipient, a 67-year-old man, had suffered a stroke six months earlier, resulting in hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body). Despite intensive rehabilitation, progress was slow. After receiving the BCI implant, he began to regain movement in his paralyzed limbs, marking a significant milestone in neurorehabilitation.
| Feature | China (Nankai University) | Neuralink (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Implantation Method | Via blood vessels (minimally invasive) | Direct brain tissue implantation |
| First Human Trial | 2025 | 2023 (FDA-approved) |
| Key Benefit | Lower surgical risk, faster recovery | Direct brain-computer connection |
While Neuralink’s approach involves direct brain surgery, the Chinese method’s use of blood vessels could lower the barrier for clinical adoption and reduce complications.
Minimally invasive BCI offers a safer alternative for patients who may not be candidates for open-brain surgery.
The technology could accelerate recovery for stroke survivors and others with paralysis, improving quality of life.
China’s rapid progress in BCI clinical trials positions it as a leader in next-generation neurotechnology, with regulatory frameworks already being established to support commercialization by 2028.
China’s regulatory agencies are proactively setting guidelines and pricing structures for BCI-related medical services, signaling a commitment to bringing these innovations to market quickly. With ongoing clinical trials and further device miniaturization, the country is poised to expand access to BCI therapies for patients with paralysis, limb loss, or neurodegenerative diseases.
The bottom line: China’s minimally invasive brain-computer interface marks a transformative step in neurotechnology, showing that restoring movement to paralyzed patients is no longer just science fiction. As this technology matures, it could redefine rehabilitation and human-computer interaction for millions worldwide.
Founded in 2018, futureTEKnow is a global database dedicated to capturing the world’s most innovative companies utilizing emerging technologies across five key sectors: Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive technologies (MR, AR, VR), blockchain, robotics, and the space industry. Initially launched as a social media platform to share technology news, futureTEKnow quickly evolved into a comprehensive resource hub, spotlighting the latest advancements and groundbreaking startups shaping the future of tech.
Bridgit Mendler’s Northwood Space is pioneering mass-produced ground stations, enabling scalable, high-speed connectivity for the new era of satellite networks and megaconstellations.
SpaceX aims to nearly double launches from Vandenberg in 2025, facing support from federal agencies but strong objections from the state and local communities.
Traditional Medicare will pilot AI-assisted prior authorization in 2026 across six states, focusing on high-risk outpatient services. Clinicians retain final say, but incentives and access concerns loom as CMS tests fraud reduction and “gold card” exemptions. Here’s what providers and patients should know.
OpenArt’s new “one-click story” compresses scripting, visuals, and edits into ready-to-post short videos—fueling viral growth and a fresh IP debate. We break down how it works, adoption signals, what’s next (multi-character, mobile), and practical guardrails creators and brands should follow to stay original and compliant.
OpenAI’s o3 swept the Kaggle AI chess tournament, defeating xAI’s Grok 4–0. The victory fueled the intense rivalry between Altman and Musk, reshaping AI benchmarks.
NASA and Google’s AI-powered Crew Medical Officer Digital Assistant enables autonomous diagnoses for astronauts on Mars missions, redefining remote healthcare for space and Earth.
Pinterest’s CEO confirms that fully agentic AI shopping is years away, as the platform invests in AI-powered tools to enhance discovery, inspiration, and personalized shopping experiences for millions.
Shopify’s new AI shopping tools are transforming e-commerce, letting agents and chatbots deliver smooth, personalized shopping and checkout experiences across platforms. Learn how these innovations reshape online retail.
Meta has acquired WaveForms AI, a startup pioneering emotion-detecting voice technology. Learn what this means for Meta’s AI voice ambitions and the future of AI audio.
Tracelight is revolutionizing financial modelling for finance professionals with AI-powered Excel tools that automate complex tasks, reduce errors, and unlock new analysis capabilities. Learn how this next-gen solution changes the future of spreadsheets.
China’s Lanyue lander completed its first major test, showcasing advanced engineering for safe, crewed moon landings before 2030. Explore how this milestone shapes the space race.
Microsoft rolls out GPT-5 across its Copilot suite, integrating smarter AI for enterprise and personal users. Discover new features, free access, and what sets this launch apart.
