Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
China's top state research body. It named brain-computer interfaces an important priority field in its 2026 to 2030 plan and runs an invasive BCI programme through its Shanghai brain science centre, CEBSIT, with StairMed as industry partner.
Overview
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is China’s top state research body. In July 2025 it was one of seven signatories, with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Medical Products Administration and four others, of the national implementation opinions on the BCI industry. Those target two to three globally influential Chinese BCI companies by 2030.
The 2026 to 2030 plan
On 28 September 2026 CAS announced its 15th Five-Year development plan. Brain-computer interfaces are one of six named important priority fields, with integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, quantum science and technology, life sciences and biotechnology, and controlled nuclear fusion. The plan organises research around a ‘3+4+X’ regional layout with Shanghai as one of three strategic highlands, and proposes field-based consortia and mission-based task forces across institutes. No BCI budget, programme names or milestones have been published.
CEBSIT and StairMed
Research groups led by Zhao Zhengtuo and Li Xue at the CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT) developed an ultra-flexible penetrating implant. Its trial at Huashan Hospital began in March 2025 and reached 18 cumulative implants by July 2026. StairMed, founded by Zhao, is the industry partner; its system entered the NMPA’s special review procedure for innovative devices in November 2025, with a market target of around 2028. StairMed and a CAS team are also testing an endovascular device in sheep. NeuroXess is linked to the CAS Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology.
Why it matters
The state that approves BCI devices and sets industrial targets is now directing its national academy at the field through 2030. Western companies weighing Chinese partners or competitors will meet CAS-linked groups with state research infrastructure behind them.
Coverage on InsideBCI
- 20 July 2026: StairMed’s penetrating BCI trial at Huashan reaches 18 cumulative implants
- 10 August 2026: Chinese endovascular BCI can be positioned in 10 minutes, Xuanwu Hospital surgeon says
- 23 September 2026: Chinese Premier Li Qiang publicly names brain-computer interfaces a ‘blue ocean’ on a Shanghai inspection tour
- 30 September 2026: Chinese Academy of Sciences names brain-computer interfaces a priority field in its 2026 to 2030 plan