Policies set to fuel greater innovation

BrainCo, a Chinese neurotechnology company based in Hangzhou’s Yuhang district, has enabled an arm-loss patient to resume calligraphy using its intelligent bionic hand, controlled via non-invasive brain-computer interface technology. The company’s products, priced at one-fifth to one-seventh of foreign competitors, are now integrated into humanoid robots and deployed in over 35 countries, spanning medical rehabilitation and industrial applications. Han Bicheng, BrainCo’s founder and CEO, noted the technology’s expansion into embodied AI, with adoption by multiple robotics firms. The company’s growth aligns with China’s policy push under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which designates brain-computer interfaces as a future industry to drive economic growth. Beyond BrainCo, Chinese private firms are leading innovation in emerging sectors like commercial spaceflight and low-altitude economies. At Yiwu International Trade Market, robotic dogs equipped with cameras and infrared sensors patrol malls autonomously, enhancing security. Botshare, China’s first embodied AI leasing platform launched in December 2025, now operates in over 100 cities, connecting service providers with end clients. Private enterprises in China contribute over 70% of technological innovations and dominate high-tech industries, according to Economic Information Daily. The government is accelerating policy support, encouraging state-owned enterprises to collaborate with private firms and research institutes. As the innovation ecosystem evolves, these companies are expected to drive further commercialization and business model innovation.