BCI technology moves from labs to real-world applications. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

Shanghai's Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone is quickly becoming a key player in the brain-computer interface (BCI) industry, thanks to exciting new projects and breakthroughs by local companies.

Shenfu Jianxing Medical Device Co Ltd is building its research and production headquarters at Waigaoqiao's XINeocity park. The new project focuses on developing implantable brain-spinal nerve systems.

Waigaoqiao's XINeocity park, where Shenfu Jianxing's research and production headquarters is located. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

The company is partnering with Fudan University on a new type of BCI that aims to restore communication between the brain and spinal cord, potentially helping spinal injury patients walk again.

Shenfu Jianxing plans to introduce its core product and launch new production lines by 2026. The company is also developing wearable robots to help patients recover faster. Jia Fumin, founder of the company, expressed his hope of helping more patients walk freely within five years.

In another exciting development, StairMed, another local company, has made a breakthrough in BCI technology. It successfully conducted a clinical trial in which a patient controlled a wheelchair and a robotic dog using only their thoughts. This marks a significant step from controlling devices on screens to interacting with the physical world.

StairMed, an innovative technology company specializing in implantable BCI technology, has raised significant funding and is advancing its clinical trials. It is the second company globally, after Neuralink, to reach the clinical stage in implantable BCI technology.

As BCI technology moves from labs to real-world applications, Shanghai is leading the way with a plan to advance these technologies by 2027 and become a global hub by 2030. Many leading companies are establishing operations in Waigaoqiao, strengthening the area's competitiveness in this cutting-edge field.

Waigaoqiao is committed to supporting cutting-edge industries by facilitating communication among researchers, companies, and regulators. Last year, it launched a partnership plan to support BCI companies with research, market expansion, and financial services.

Waigaoqiao is also collaborating with top hospitals to establish joint labs and investment channels, helping turn BCI innovations into market-ready products.