China Beats Elon Musk’s ‘Jesus-Level Technology’ With World’s First Commercial Brain Chip

China has become the first country to approve a commercial brain-computer interface, moving ahead of Elon Musk’s Neuralink in the race to bring advanced brain chip technology to the market.

The device, known as NEO, received regulatory approval in China after completing clinical trials, making it the first commercially approved invasive brain-computer interface in the world.

The technology was developed by Shanghai-based Neuracle Technology in partnership with researchers from Tsinghua University. The brain chip is designed mainly to help people with paralysis and spinal cord injuries regain certain physical functions.

The development places China ahead of Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain technology company, which is still undergoing clinical testing and regulatory processes in the United States.

Musk previously described brain-computer interface technology as “Jesus-level technology” because of its potential to restore lost human abilities and transform healthcare.

Unlike Neuralink’s design, the Chinese device uses a less invasive approach. Reports indicate that the chip sits outside the brain tissue and reduces the risk of damage to neurons while still allowing communication between the brain and external devices.

Researchers say the technology converts brain signals into digital commands, enabling patients to control devices through thought. Early applications are expected to focus on rehabilitation and assisting people with severe neurological conditions.

The approval marks a significant milestone in the growing competition between China and the United States in advanced medical and artificial intelligence technologies.

Experts believe brain-computer interfaces could eventually be used for a wider range of applications beyond healthcare, although ethical and security concerns surrounding the technology remain under discussion.

Neuralink has attracted global attention through its human trials, but China’s earlier regulatory approval has allowed the country to reach commercial deployment first. The achievement highlights China’s increasing role in emerging technologies and the future of neurotechnology.