China approves first commercial brain‑computer implant, the NEO chip

Chinese regulators have authorized the commercial sale of the NEO brain‑computer interface (BCI) chip, making China the first country to approve a medical implant of this type. The device is initially offered to Chinese hospitals for patients with spinal‑cord injuries and paralysis, helping to restore neural function.

Developers say the technology could later be expanded to treat severe depression, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions. The approval puts China ahead of projects such as Elon Musk's Neuralink, which remains in experimental stages.

Experts warn that widespread use raises significant privacy and cybersecurity concerns, as the implant could transmit data about brain activity, thoughts and emotions. The emerging BCI market is projected to become a multi‑hundred‑billion‑dollar sector worldwide.