Stairway Medical: Pioneering Invasive Brain-Computer Interface Technology Comparable to Neuralink
StairMed
Developer of Implantable Brain-Computer Interface Technology
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Editor's Note:StairMed, a portfolio company of Qiming Venture Partners, previously announced that its self-developed invasive brain-computer interface system successfully completed China's first prospective clinical trial of an invasive brain-computer interface system at Huashan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University in the first quarter of this year.
Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo, founder of StairMed and researcher at the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Li Xue shared the subsequent goals of this prospective clinical trial during an interview, as well as the reasons why the company chose the highly challenging "invasive brain-computer interface" as its development path. When discussing the future standards and dominance of the brain-computer interface industry, Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo pointed out that being the first to launch a product with significant market value is crucial; he also provided insights into the future trends of the brain-computer interface field. Dr. Li Xue outlined StairMed's phased objectives for the next five years from the perspectives of core product development and advancement, enhancement of technical capabilities and production capacity, and strengthening team building.
Dr. Zhaotuo Zhao (left), founder of StairMed and researcher at the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, with Dr. Xue Li (right)
Inside Huashan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University, a patient with amputated limbs is controlling a cursor on the screen through thought, engaging in simple game operations. This seemingly ordinary scene of daily life represents a profound technological and medical revolution.After receiving the implant of the invasive brain-computer interface system from StairMed, a company invested in by Qiming Venture Partners, the patient was able to...2-3After weeks of training, functions such as playing chess and racing games were achieved, reaching a level similar to that of ordinary people controlling a computer touchpad."Now I can control the computer with my own thoughts, it feels like my mind is finally free," the patient said. This is not only a technological breakthrough but also a sign of the patient regaining confidence in life, no longer completely dependent on others, and full of hope for the future.
The above scenario is from StairMed.2025Year3Month25The First Invasive Brain-Computer Interface System Registration Prospective Clinical Trial in China was Recently Conducted at Huashan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University. This prospective clinical trial was carried out under the guidance of the pharmaceutical regulatory system and met the same regulatory requirements as formal medical device registration clinical trials. Its results will accelerate the progress of subsequent formal registration clinical trials.This means that StairMed is the most advanced in terms of registration progress in China and is expected to be the earliest invasive brain-computer interface company to move towards application.
StairMed in Achieving Its Vision——A solid step has been taken toward benefiting human health through brain-computer interface technology innovation. It is understood that, in the field of brain-computer interfaces, Chinese companies, including StairMed, are on the same starting line as other global enterprises. With unique technical advantages and a clear development strategy, these Chinese companies are actively participating in international innovation and gradually creating a "Chinese solution" with global influence.The successful launch of this trial marks StairMed as the second company globally and the first in China to enter the clinical trial stage for invasive brain-computer interface technology.(Following the establishment ofNeuralinkLater)。
In fact, the smooth progress of this prospective clinical trial,On the one hand, thanks to StairMed's strict control over the safety and effectiveness of its technology, the company has closely cooperated with the Shanghai Medical Products Administration's Medical Device Inspection Institute, actively participating in establishing testing and evaluation standards for flexible microelectrodes and implantable brain-computer interfaces. On the other hand, every technology in the company’s products, from the ultra-flexible design of neural electrodes to the miniaturization of implants, has been repeatedly verified to ensure long-term stability and safety within the human body.Prospective clinical trials can fully verify the safety and core functions of the product, laying a solid foundation for subsequent large-scale, multi-center clinical trials.
Zhao Zhengtuo, Ph.D., founder of StairMed and researcher at the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized:"Brain-computer interfaces are not only an engineering problem, but also rely on the foundational theories of neuroscience, as well as the collection and integration of innovative clinical scenarios in medicine."Therefore, we will leverage our collaborations with institutions such as Huashan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University in Shanghai, and through integration and cross-disciplinary efforts, create greater value."
Subject Regain"Sense of Control"
The National Medical Products Administration of China has given high attention and support to the development and registration of implantable brain-computer interface products. Its open and inclusive attitude, along with professional guidance, reflects the country's policy of encouraging innovative medical devices. Relevant work has also received major municipal science and technology projects in Shanghai."Key Technologies and Core Components of Brain-Computer Interface," a strategic frontier brain-computer interface special project supported by the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, as well as institutions such as the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huashan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain-Computer Interface Clinical and Translational Research.
For StairMed, the first prospective clinical trial is an authoritative recognition of its technical strength and R&D capabilities. It demonstrates that the company's years of accumulation in key technology areas such as neural interfaces, signal transmission and processing, and neural decoding have reached a level suitable for clinical application. Through this trial, StairMed not only obtained valuable human data but also further optimized product design and surgical protocols, providing strong support for subsequent product development and market promotion.
Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo said:"Prospective clinical trials are an important milestone towards clinical application. Through this trial, we have obtained complete product certainty with a small sample size. The main tasks ahead involve increasing the number of patients to ensure the final results are statistically significant. Meanwhile, we also conducted exploratory research during the prospective clinical trial to explore the product's potential and provide guidance for defining the form and functionality of the next-generation product."
Dr. Xue Li, founder of StairMed and researcher at the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, pointed out:"Invasive brain-computer interfaces are the most difficult and highest ceiling direction in the entire brain-computer interface field. We believe that for China's industry as a whole, invasive is the hardest, but it may be the path that goes the farthest. Therefore, we have chosen a more challenging but also more promising road."
According to the enrollment criteria and requirements, the subjects were either individuals with limb amputations or those with severe paralysis due to high-level spinal cord injuries resulting in significant motor function damage. Dr. Li Xue described the subjects' intraoperative and postoperative conditions:"Since the surgery was performed under local anesthesia, he was fully conscious and felt very good about the procedure. His body recovered in about three days, and his condition was excellent. To be on the safe side, the doctor kept him under observation for a couple more days before allowing him to return to his residence. Currently, from an external physical perspective, there is basically no significant difference compared to before, with only minimal surgical marks remaining."
Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo added that the patient previously had great difficulty using essential electronic devices in daily life, such as needing to operate a computer by biting a stick with their mouth and controlling a phone with their lower lip for a long time. However, the patient can now control the computer through their own thoughts."The training has only been conducted2-3Week, still continuously improving his control efficiency, but the subject is very satisfied with the progress of the trial, stating that he feels a sense of being in control, and expressed relief at not having to rely entirely on others. He believes this will reduce the burden on his family and children in the future, and currently feels physically and mentally pleased."
Build a globally influential"China Solution"
As the first company in China approved to conduct prospective clinical trials of invasive brain-computer interfaces, StairMed has keenly seized the strategic opportunity to overtake competitors in the brain-computer interface industry, building strong competitiveness in the market.
Compared with internationally renowned brain-computer interface enterprises, StairMed is in a leading position in neural interface technology. According to reports,The diameter of StairMed's brain-controlled implant26mm, thickness less than6mm, is the smallest-sized brain-controlled implant in the world,Only coin-sized, forNeuralinkProduct1/2Left and right, while facilitating the arrangement of more channels within the body space to achieve high-throughput signal acquisition and complex functional control.
The ultra-flexible electrodes it has developed are extremely small, with a size of only about a hair's width.1/100, with good biocompatibility and mechanical properties, can effectively reduce tissue damage and immune response after implantation, providing the possibility for long-term stable neural signal acquisition.
"Our miniaturized design only requires an opening in the skull3-5A puncture hole of millimeters, implanting the sensor into the brain approximately5-8At a depth of millimeters. This minimally invasive surgical method reduces the patient's sense of foreign body after implantation, lowers surgical risks, shortens postoperative recovery time, and enhances the clinical acceptability and application scope of brain-computer interface technology," introduced Dr. Li Xue.
In addition,The company's vascular interventional brain-computer interface solution innovatively combines the advantages of craniotomy-free surgery friendliness and high-precision signal quality, which is expected to further expand the application boundaries of invasive brain-computer interfaces.These technological innovations have enabled StairMed to possess strong competitiveness in the international market, providing global patients with higher quality and safer brain-computer interface products.
Based onSignificant ClinicalTestProgress and Technical Advantages, StairMed has also gained favor from many investors. Not long ago,StairMed has gained recognition and support from top-tier investment institutions such as Qiming Venture Partners, with cumulative financing reaching hundreds of millions of RMB, marking the largest publicly disclosed funding in China's implantable brain-computer interface industry to date.
The injection of these funds has provided a strong impetus for the rapid development of StairMed. Speaking of the phased goals for the next five years,Dr. Li Xue shared insights from three levels. The first is the research and development and advancement of core products, including the iterative development of brain-control product lines, as well as the establishment of platform technologies for brain-computer interface recording and stimulation. She hopes that through these efforts, various product lines can be extracted from the platform technology to develop medical device products targeting different indications.Such as neuromodulation for treating depression and epilepsy, as well as products like artificial vision and artificial hearing.
In addition,BuildMEMSElectrode processing platform, further enhancing the company's technical strength and production capacity.Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo pointed out: "MEMS"The construction of the electrode processing platform is crucial for the future development of brain-computer interface technology. It will help us achieve scaled production of neural electrodes, improve product quality and consistency, and reduce production costs, thereby providing strong support for the market promotion of the products."
In order to maintain its technological leadership, StairMed is also actively attracting talented individuals and strengthening team development.Dr. Li Xue emphasized:"We believe that professionals can accomplish professional tasks, and only with an excellent team can we achieve greater breakthroughs in the brain-computer interface field. We hope to attract top talents and build a professional, stable, and efficient brain-computer interface team."
In recent years, the Chinese government has placed high importance on the development of brain-computer interface technology, listing it as a national strategic emerging industry and incorporating it into the National Key Research and Development Program. Local governments have also successively introduced relevant policies to support the research, development, and industrialization of brain-computer interface technology. For example, Beijing and Shanghai have released action plans for the cultivation of future industries in brain-computer interfaces, providing policy guarantees for the advancement of this technology.
According toGlobal Market Insights's forecast, by2030By the year, the global brain-computer interface market size will exceed250Billion USD, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)（CAGR）Exceed15%Among them, medical applications occupy a dominant position.(Approx.60%）, covering fields such as motor function reconstruction, neuromodulation, and sensory restoration.
Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo emphasized that in order to tap into the billion-dollar brain-computer interface market, system development must be guided by application value, implemented according to clinical standards, and ultimately commercialized.
Not long ago, the National Healthcare Security Administration issued a pricing guideline for neurological medical services, covering three areas: the implantation and removal of invasive brain-computer interface surgeries, as well as the fitting of non-invasive procedures; meanwhile, Shanghai1The action plan for the future development of brain-computer interface released in Shanghai in recent months also clarified the inclusion of brain-computer interface in the medical insurance charging directory.
In Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo's view, the aforementioned payment measures have already clarified the direction of the guiding principle."Although the specific policies of the National Medical Security Administration have not been introduced, it can be seen that similar products may be included in medical insurance in the future, or it is an inevitable trend. Such policy arrangements by the country are actually a great boon to the industry development, which can reduce patients' expenses on product purchases and surgery fees, allowing patients to benefit directly. It can also standardize the entire product promotion process. With the encouragement of these policies, it is believed that in the future, after brain-computer interfaces obtain registration certificates, the progress of bringing them to market can be significantly accelerated, gaining more market share."
Standard"Definer"
Currently, Chinese brain-computer interface companies are still in the early stages of development within the global industrial chain. On the technical side, although breakthroughs have been made in some core technologies, there is still a gap compared to international leading levels. In terms of the market, despite a late start, the domestic brain-computer interface market is growing rapidly and has enormous potential, with domestic enterprises gradually increasing their share and influence in the global market.
Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo said that brain-computer interface companies in ChinaNeuralink、SynchronThe technical pathways of international companies are generally similar, but they are slightly behind in clinical progress.NeuralinkIt had reached the registered clinical stage in February and March of last year.SynchronInitiate clinical trials earlier, while Chinese enterprises currently have a relatively slower overall clinical progress.
Although China's original innovation capability in brain-computer interfaces needs further strengthening, domestic companies have already demonstrated their own innovation in some core technologies and product design. For example, Chinese companies have developed the world's most advanced neural electrodes, emphasizing an ultra-miniaturization concept in product design, which is distinct from others.Neuralink. In addition,Led by StairMed, leading companies in China also focus on forward design, aiming to explore the theory of information transmission between the brain and machines by leveraging principles of neuroscience. This approach seeks to maximize patient needs while minimizing surgical trauma.
Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo emphasized that domestic companies hope to gain a foothold in the definition of technical pathways and standards.He believes that the standards and dominance of the future brain-computer interface industry will depend on who can first launch a product with truly broad market value. Companies in China are striving to develop solid products that can be practically applied and generate value, hoping to gain more influence in the future industrial chain.
At the same time, StairMed is well aware that the complexity of brain-computer interface technology makes it difficult for a single company to achieve breakthroughs on its own. Increased investment in research and development, as well as collaborative efforts, are necessary.On the one hand, domestic enterprises need to continuously increase R&D investment in key technologies of core components of brain-computer interfaces, such as electrodes and chips, to enhance their independent innovation capabilities.For example, StairMed has achieved miniaturization of electrode size and high-precision signal acquisition through its self-developed ultra-flexible neural electrode technology, providing strong support for enhancing the independent controllability of core components.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to strengthen close cooperation with universities, research institutions, and hospitals to jointly carry out collaborative research.Therefore, the company actively collaborates with various sectors to establish an integrated innovation model of industry-academia-research-medicine. Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo and Dr. Li Xue, who come from the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have extensive research experience and deep technical expertise in fields such as neural interfaces and implantable brain-computer interfaces. By transforming scientific research achievements into clinical applications, StairMed has achieved seamless integration from the laboratory to the bedside, accelerating the process of technological innovation and product implementation.
Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo identified two future development trends in the brain-computer interface field:The first trend is a spiral advancement process that moves from academia to industry, then back to academia, and finally to industry again.InNeuralinkFor example, its technology stems from academic research. When the product is applied clinically, it generates a large amount of data. This data drives academia to further explore the underlying principles and value, thereby promoting further optimization and enhancement of the product, achieving mutual promotion and common development between academia and industry.
The second trend is a cycle from clinical to laboratory and back to clinical.Brain-computer interfaces are closely tied to clinical needs, with their development guided by clinical value. Problems are identified in clinical practice, brought back to the lab for research and resolution, and then the results are applied and validated clinically. This process involves continuous iteration and optimization, fostering ongoing progress and development.
For StairMed, in the short term, the company will focus on medical scenarios, continuously optimize existing products, and expand the range of indications, such as neuromodulation and sensory restoration. In the medium term, the company plans to enhance human-computer interaction efficiency, develop the next generation of brain-computer interface products, and explore the possibilities of consumer-level applications. In the long term, StairMed is committed to achieving the deep integration and development of brain-computer fusion, building a future where human-computer collaboration and carbon-based and silicon-based life forms coexist.
Dr. Zhao Zhengtuo展望道："In the next decade, brain-computer interfaces will create significant value in China's medical market. Mid-term"3-5Brain-computer interface technology will create significant value in the coming years for clinically critically ill patients or those with severe functional impairments, helping them replace lost functions or assisting them in living normal lives. In addition,5-10"Year, with the development of various minimally invasive technologies, brain-computer interface technology will enter people's lives in pan-clinical and consumer scenarios."
Qiming Venture Partners was founded in 2006.Currently, Qiming Venture Partners manages 11 US dollar funds and 7 RMB funds, with total managed assets under management reaching 9.5 billion US dollars. Since its establishment, it has focused on investing in outstanding companies in the early and growth stages of the Technology and Consumer (T&C) and Healthcare industries.
As of now, Qiming Venture Partners has invested in more than 580 rapidly growing innovative companies, of which over 210 have gone public on stock exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Shanghai Stock Exchange, and Shenzhen Stock Exchange, or exited through mergers and acquisitions. More than 80 of these companies have become unicorns or super unicorns recognized within their industries.
Among the portfolio companies of Qiming Venture Partners, many have grown into the most influential companies in their respective fields, including Xiaomi Group (01810.HK), Meituan (03690.HK), Bilibili (NASDAQ:BILI, 09626.HK), Zhihu (NYSE:ZH, 02390.HK), Roborock (688169.SH), UBTECH Robotics (09880.HK), WeRide (NASDAQ:WRD), Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals (603087.SH), Tigermed (300347.SZ, 03347.HK), Zai Lab (NASDAQ:ZLAB, 09688.HK), CanSino Biologics (688185.SH, 06185.HK), Schrödinger (NASDAQ:SDGR), Hithrone Medical (688617.SH), Sanyou Medical (688085.SH), AmoyDx (300685.SZ), Berry Genomics (000710.SZ), Sinocelltech (688520.SH), Yuanxin Technology, Caidya, Belief BioMed, and Biren Technology, among others.