China's StairMed Develops 10-Minute Brain-Computer Interface Implant
StairMed Technology, a startup located in Shanghai, is working on a revolutionary brain-computer interface that can be inserted in just ten minutes via blood vessels, bypassing the need for conventional surgery. In the past year, the firm secured over 1.1 billion yuan (approximately $163 million) in funding from major investors, including Tencent and Alibaba. The initiative, revealed last December in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, enables users to operate devices through their thoughts. Currently undergoing testing on sheep, this technology is set for upcoming human trials. Co-founder Zhao Zhengtuo showcased the innovation at the Global Health Summit in Hong Kong.
Key facts
- StairMed Technology is developing a minimally invasive BCI inserted via blood vessels.
- The device can be positioned in as little as 10 minutes by a surgeon with 4-5 years of experience.
- The Shanghai-based firm has raised over 1.1 billion yuan (US$163 million) in funding in the past year.
- Investors include Tencent Holdings and Alibaba Group Holding.
- The program was unveiled in December in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- The technique has been tested on sheep but has not yet begun human trials.
- Zhao Zhengtuo, co-founder, presented at the Global Health Summit in Hong Kong on Saturday.
- Duan Wanru of Xuanwu Hospital made the statement about the 10-minute procedure.
Entities
Institutions
- StairMed Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Tencent Holdings
- Alibaba Group Holding
- Xuanwu Hospital
Locations
- Shanghai
- China
- Hong Kong