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HeadlineMEDTECH

Neuralink Brain-Computer Interface Launches in China: ¥128,000 for Memory and Focus Enhancement

Neuralink officially lands in China via Hainan's Boao Lecheng pilot zone, with the first N1 chip priced at ¥128,000, promising memory enhancement and focus improvement. 100 appointment slots sold out in 3 minutes, though the medical community remains deeply divided on long-term safety.

Overview

Science fiction becomes reality as brain-computer interfaces enter the consumer market.

Neuralink officially launched in China today through Hainan's Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, with the inaugural N1 brain chip priced at ¥128,000 ($17,600). The device targets two key functions: memory enhancement and improved focus.

The implantation procedure takes roughly 3 hours, performed minimally invasively with a 2-centimeter incision. Neuralink's China head stated that patients must be at least 22 years old and pass a health assessment before surgery.

What Can the N1 Chip Do?

According to the official description, the N1 chip works by reading and stimulating neural activity through a microelectrode array implanted in the cerebral cortex:

  • Memory Enhancement: Wear the headphone-style external device 1 hour daily for 3 months, claiming to improve short-term memory test scores by approximately 35%
  • Focus Improvement: Real-time monitoring of brain attention states, using gentle neural feedback to extend sustained concentration duration
  • Sleep Optimization: Analyzing sleep brainwaves, automatically adjusting neural stimulation to improve sleep quality

First Slots Gone in 3 Minutes

When appointments opened at 10:00 AM, the 100 inaugural surgical slots sold out in 3 minutes and 12 seconds. Among those who booked, IT professionals and university faculty made up the highest proportion, aged primarily between 28 and 45.

Controversy and Risk

The medical community holds cautious views on the N1 chip's long-term safety.

The director of neurosurgery at Huashan Hospital published an open article stating: "Implanting a foreign object into the brain is a serious medical act. The absence of safety data spanning more than 10 years is a risk factor that cannot be ignored." Additionally, N1 requires monthly data maintenance visits to designated facilities at an annual service fee of approximately ¥8,000.

Market Reaction

Following the announcement, A-share brain-computer interface concept stocks hit the daily limit. One analyst pointed out: "Once the brain-computer interface consumer market opens up, its scale rivals smartphones — a trillion-yuan blue ocean."

This article is fictional and for entertainment purposes only.