China approves first commercial brain‑computer implant NEO

China has granted approval for the world’s first commercially available brain‑computer chip, called NEO. The coin‑sized implant, developed by researchers at Tsinghua University and Neuracle Technology, completed clinical trials involving 36 patients and is now entering mass production for the state‑run healthcare system, primarily to help patients with spinal‑cord injuries and other severe neurological conditions.

The approval puts China ahead of Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which has yet to receive public‑use clearance. Experts warn that the technology raises new cybersecurity and privacy concerns because the devices collect neural data that could be targeted by hackers, and they also note medical risks such as infection, tissue damage and immune rejection.