Fudan University (China) has established a research center focused on brain-computer interfaces (BCI), enabling humans to control external devices through their thoughts.
The Neuromodulation and BCI Research Center, with an investment of $56 million, is expected to harness the revolutionary potential of BCI technology in healthcare, such as restoring vision for the blind and mobility for paralyzed patients.
The center was launched amidst China’s ongoing push for the development of breakthrough technologies in the race for dominance with the United States, which has led in BCI research for many years.
According to The South China Morning Post, this new research center aims to bridge the gap between brain disease research and industry, representing a systematic integration of Fudan University’s neuroscience resources that will promote clinical applications and the industrialization of this field.
A BCI product showcased at the China International Technology Fair held in Shanghai in 2021. (Photo: VCG).
In December 2021, the Shanghai Municipal Government outlined that rehabilitation and training devices employing BCI technology would be a focal point for developing advanced medical equipment under its latest five-year plan.
BCI is considered one of the promising future industries that China is particularly promoting, viewed as a “new quality productive force” – a concept of innovative, high-tech development introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
An official document guiding the development of emerging and future industries emphasized the industrialization of BCI technologies. The document states that China encourages “breakthroughs in critical technologies and equipment such as brain-computer interface technology and brain-like chips.”
Last month, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China completed a public consultation on plans to establish a committee to develop standards for utilizing BCI technology, including brain information collection, preprocessing, coding and decoding, data transmission, and data visualization.