Core Insights - The article emphasizes that brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are a revolutionary component of new productive forces, breaking physical barriers between the brain and the external world, enabling direct control of devices through thought [2] - The BCI industry is gaining momentum due to dual breakthroughs in hardware and software technologies, as well as supportive national policies, positioning it as a key driver for transformation in various sectors such as medical rehabilitation and consumer electronics [2][19] Global Competition - Major countries are recognizing the strategic value of BCIs, leading to significant investments and initiatives aimed at securing a competitive edge in brain science [4] - The United States is a leading player in this race, having launched the BRAIN Initiative in 2013 with an initial investment of over $100 million and a planned total investment of $4.5 billion over 12 years [5][6] - Other countries, including those in the EU, Japan, and South Korea, are also making substantial investments in BCI research, with collaborative efforts and national programs to advance the field [6][7] Technological Breakthroughs - The successful commercialization of BCIs relies on advancements in both hardware and software [9] - Hardware developments focus on flexible, miniaturized, and high-density electrodes, which enhance signal capture and reduce damage to brain tissue [12][15] - Software algorithms are evolving from unidirectional commands to bidirectional interactions, allowing for real-time feedback and expanding the application scope of BCIs [16][18] Domestic Landscape - The BCI industry in China is witnessing a surge in enterprise involvement, with companies leveraging their technological strengths to drive commercialization [18] - Notable companies like Chengyi Tong and Xiangyu Medical are establishing comprehensive research and development frameworks, focusing on rehabilitation and full-chain autonomous development [18] - The market is currently in the early stages of commercialization, with investment themes centered around clinical advancements and product rollout timelines [18][19]

Core Viewpoint - The brain-computer interface (BCI) is recognized as a disruptive core component of the new productive forces, breaking physical barriers between the brain and the external world, and enabling direct control of devices through thought, thus transitioning from science fiction to reality [1] Group 1: Global Competition and Investment - Major countries have recognized the strategic value of BCIs, leading to significant investments and initiatives to secure a competitive edge in brain science [2] - The United States has been a leading player, launching the BRAIN Initiative with over $1 billion in initial funding and a planned total investment of $4.5 billion over 12 years [3][4] - The European Union has established the Human Brain Project, involving 19 countries and 155 institutions, with an initial investment of nearly €607 million and a total planned investment of €1 billion [5] Group 2: Policy Evolution in China - China's policy has evolved from recognizing brain science as a frontier field in the 12th Five-Year Plan to promoting industrialization in the 14th Five-Year Plan, with significant funding and strategic goals set for 2027 and 2030 [6][7] - The Ministry of Science and Technology initiated a major project in 2021 with an initial funding of ¥3.148 billion, with future funding expected to reach hundreds of billions [7] Group 3: Technological Breakthroughs - The successful commercialization of BCIs relies on advancements in both hardware and software [8] - Hardware improvements focus on flexible, miniaturized, and high-density electrodes, while software advancements enhance signal decoding and feedback mechanisms [9][13] - The shift from open-loop to closed-loop systems allows for two-way interaction, expanding the application scope of BCIs [13] Group 4: Domestic Industry Landscape - The BCI sector in China is witnessing a surge of interest from various companies, each leveraging their technological strengths to drive commercialization [14] - Companies like Chengyitong focus on rehabilitation medical devices, while Xiangyu Medical has developed a comprehensive system for BCI technology, including hardware and algorithms [14] - The industry is in its early commercialization phase, with investment themes centered around clinical progress for invasive products and commercialization timelines for non-invasive products [14]