This year, the government work report for the first time proposed cultivating future industries such as brain-computer interfaces. Shortly before this, China's first non-invasive brain-computer interface surgery for treating acute cerebral infarction was successfully performed in Bengbu City, Anhui Province. How will Bengbu leverage its strengths to make a strategic advance in future industries? Ma Jun, Secretary of the Bengbu Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, shared his insights.
When asked about the significance of including "brain-computer interface" as a future industry alongside quantum technology and 6G in this year's government work report, Ma Jun stated that it sends multiple signals. The core message is that brain-computer interface has progressed from cutting-edge laboratory exploration to a nationally prioritized future industry, becoming a key track for cultivating new quality productive forces. It also reflects the country's assessment of the urgency in global technological competition, with both the United States and the European Union accelerating their布局 in brain science. This move demonstrates China's determination to seize the initiative. For cities like Bengbu that have laid early groundwork, the clear national top-level design acts as a strong boost, providing greater confidence to pool resources and build a highland.
Regarding Bengbu's core competitiveness compared to other cities developing brain-computer interfaces, Ma Jun explained that Bengbu's advantage lies not in isolated breakthroughs but in building a unique system. Simply put, Bengbu has both "hospitals that can treat diseases" and "enterprises that can manufacture chips." As the regional medical center of Northern Anhui, Bengbu hosts two national-level regional medical centers and six top-tier hospitals. Recently, Bengbu Medical University completed the country's first non-invasive brain-computer interface surgery for acute cerebral infarction. Additionally, as one of China's three major sensor R&D and manufacturing bases, Bengbu has deep accumulated experience in manufacturing flexible electrodes for MEMS brain-computer interfaces. Furthermore, the population of several tens of millions in Northern Anhui itself represents a vast market for clinical research and rehabilitation applications of brain-computer interfaces. As a node city in the Yangtze River Delta, Bengbu's proximity to Shanghai and Hangzhou allows it to承接 their innovation resources while maintaining significantly lower costs.
Discussing the transition from laboratory research to clinical application, exemplified by the Longhu Laboratory and the non-invasive brain-computer interface surgery, Ma Jun emphasized the need to change the old path where "researchers work in isolation and then seek applications." Bengbu's approach involves hospitals identifying clinical pain points to form a "demand list," which is then addressed by research teams organized through platforms like the Longhu Laboratory. The Longhu Laboratory itself is an innovation—jointly established by Bengbu Medical University, the Northern Microelectronics Research Institute, and the municipal government—integrating government, industry, academia, research, and medical sectors to share benefits and risks. Bengbu has also built public service platforms such as pilot production facilities for MEMS brain-computer interface flexible electrodes and clinical verification centers, reducing innovation costs and risks for incoming enterprises and research teams.
Addressing challenges like core hardware constraints and the lack of unified standards in the brain-computer interface field, Ma Jun suggested leveraging local sensor industry advantages and collaborating with top domestic teams to focus on developing flexible brain signal sensors and high signal-to-noise ratio acquisition chips for creating self-controlled solutions. At the national level, he proposed accelerating the construction of a unified brain science data platform, as many algorithms currently rely on overseas datasets lacking original algorithms based on Chinese brain characteristics. He also urged faster establishment of a full-chain standard system to prevent internal industry friction and loss of international discourse power, offering Bengbu as a pilot for providing practical foundations for national standards. Additionally, he recommended coordinated布局 of future industry pilot zones to support differentiated development in qualified regions for cluster effects.
On managing development and security concerning issues like "brain privacy" and data security, Ma Jun stated that Bengbu has set red lines in data governance, with established procedures covering the entire process from collection and storage to use and destruction. In clinical research, patients are fully informed about data usage and risks, with strict enforcement of informed consent. Technologically, efforts are underway to develop localized basic software and build local data management platforms to ensure self-control over core data and technology. Bengbu is also pioneering regulatory mechanisms adapted for innovation, defining controllable testing scopes for new technologies, allowing pilot trials while strictly maintaining bottom lines, and refining rules through practice.
Regarding the role of local governments during the period before brain-computer interfaces become widely accessible, Ma Jun outlined several key actions: implementing precise policies for top teams and leading talents, such as "flexible talent recruitment" focusing on utilization rather than ownership; strengthening platforms like the Longhu Laboratory, industrial innovation research institutes, and public service platforms to support technological innovation from proof-of-concept to product finalization; and actively engaging with provincial industrial funds to guide social capital towards supporting key technologies and重点 enterprises. He expressed Bengbu's willingness to open its clinical resources, application scenarios, and industrial support to provide high-quality transformation services for research teams nationwide, emphasizing that this field requires long-term cultivation.
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