In a groundbreaking move that merges technology and neuroscience, Tianjin University (TJU) has introduced China’s first undergraduate program dedicated to brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to staying at the forefront of global innovation, addressing the demand for interdisciplinary talent to drive advancements in this transformative field.
The program, launched by TJU’s School of Future Technology and Medical School, integrates disciplines like medicine, engineering, AI, and automation to train professionals in BCI.
Global times
A Revolutionary Step in Education
On August 24, the TJU School of Future Technology announced the launch of the BCI program as part of its 2024 admissions. Designed to bridge gaps between engineering, neuroscience, and medicine, the program quickly captured public attention, with 1,200 prospective students and parents attending an introductory lecture just days later. This overwhelming interest highlights the public’s recognition of the potential of BCI to revolutionize human-computer interaction.
BCI enables direct communication between the brain and external devices, allowing users to control systems using “thought.” This revolutionary technology is expected to redefine healthcare, robotics, and even daily human interactions, making it essential to cultivate talent with a broad and interdisciplinary understanding.
The Path to Talent Cultivation
The BCI program at TJU, jointly established by the School of Future Technology and the Medical School, aims to produce engineers and scientists adept in bio-intelligent electronic interfaces and brain-computer interaction. The program’s curriculum spans four years, emphasizing project-based learning.
In their first year, students are introduced to basic BCI concepts and simple applications like thought-controlled devices. By the second and third years, they delve into neural engineering, AI algorithms, and automation design, culminating in the development of brain-controlled robots. In their final year, students will apply their learning to tackle real-world challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in the BCI industry.
This is a very complex interdisciplinary field that connects disciplines such as physiology, medicine, engineering, and computational analysis
Yuan Xubo, executive vice dean of the School of Future Technology.
he program reflects a forward-thinking approach to education, blending theory with hands-on application to produce innovative, practical thinkers.
Expanding Applications and Ethical Considerations
BCI technology is advancing at a rapid pace, with applications ranging from medical diagnostics to industrial automation. TJU’s faculty, including Professor Liu Xiuyun, have already made significant contributions, such as reducing hydrocephalus diagnosis time from three days to 30 minutes and developing a system for objective depression screening.
Despite its potential, the field faces significant challenges, particularly in ethical and safety considerations. Invasive BCI methods, like those developed by Elon Musk’s Neuralink, raise concerns over surgical risks and long-term impacts. Non-invasive methods, while safer, often suffer from lower signal quality.
China’s BCI researchers are actively addressing these challenges. For instance, a team at Tsinghua University recently developed the world’s first wireless, minimally invasive BCI device, offering higher safety and long-term usability. Meanwhile, TJU scientists have created the MetaBOC system, an open-source platform enabling “lab-grown brains” to perform tasks like obstacle avoidance and grasping, signaling advancements in bio-information integration.
A Growing Global Market
The global BCI market, valued at $1.5 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $5.4 billion by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 11.5%. With applications expanding into areas like autonomous driving, medical robotics, and even mental health diagnostics, the need for skilled professionals has never been greater.
China’s commitment to BCI development is evident in national policies like the “China Brain Project,” a 15-year initiative focused on brain science and technology. The recent “Implementation Opinions on Promoting Innovation and Development of Future Industries” further emphasizes BCI as a key area for innovation, alongside quantum computing and 6G technologies.
This is not a small challenge
Xu Minpeng
The Road Ahead
While the potential of BCI is immense, experts urge caution and patience in developing safe, reliable, and ethically sound products. “This is not a small challenge,” said Xu Minpeng, vice dean of TJU’s Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine. However, the launch of China’s first BCI undergraduate program marks a significant step toward addressing these challenges and unlocking the field’s potential.
As the era of neuroscience dawns, initiatives like TJU’s BCI program will play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology and society. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivating innovative talent, China is not just participating in the global BCI race—it is positioning itself as a leader.
