"Machines Move with Thought Alone"... Government Launches National 'Brain-Computer Interface' Project

Pursuing 7 Major Missions Including Paralysis and Vision Restoration
Preemptive Investment in K-Moonshot BCI

The government is officially launching efforts to secure "brain-computer interface (BCI)" technology, which directly connects the human brain and computers. Large-scale research and development (R&D) projects will be implemented, focusing on missions with tangible impact for the public, such as restoring physical functions for patients with paralysis and restoring vision, in order to secure leadership in future core industries.

On March 18, the Ministry of Science and ICT held the 44th Comprehensive Biotechnology Policy Review Council and, together with related ministries, announced the "National R&D Strategy for the Future Brain Industry."

'Neuro Future Industry National R&D Strategy' Featuring 7 Major BCI Projects That the Public Can Relate To. Provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT

This strategy is focused on translating more than 30 years of accumulated brain research achievements into industry. The plan is to foster the "future brain industry" by integrating medicine, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.

In particular, as part of the K-Moonshot Project, the government has identified BCI technology as a central pillar and will promote development centered on the "7 Major Missions for Public Awareness." These include machine control for patients with paralysis, treatment for dementia and Parkinson's disease, restoration of sensory functions such as vision, artificial limbs, wearable robots, ultra-immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), and applications in the defense industry. The full-scale project is scheduled to begin in 2027.

"Global Competition Has Already Begun"... Tight 'BCI Golden Time' Amid US-China Pursuit

Technological competition is already in full swing. In the United States, Elon Musk's Neuralink has succeeded in clinical trials where patients control computers with their thoughts using brain-implant chips, while China has approved invasive BCI medical devices for sale, accelerating commercialization.

In response, the government will promote both invasive and non-invasive technologies in parallel. The invasive approach will focus on achieving clinical outcomes for intractable conditions such as spinal cord injury and visual impairment, while the non-invasive approach aims for early commercialization in a variety of fields including healthcare, entertainment, and defense, based on wearable devices.

Another feature of the strategy is integrated support throughout the entire cycle from research and development to clinical trials and commercialization. A dedicated project manager (PM) will lead the establishment of a cooperative system among industry, academia, research institutes, and hospitals, while regulatory collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will accelerate clinical progress. There are also plans to form a "BCI Alliance" with participation from both industry and research institutions.

At the same time, initiatives such as the development of new drugs for the brain and nervous system, the creation of a brain industry cluster, convergence between brain research and AI, data acquisition, and the improvement of related systems and infrastructure will also be pursued. In particular, the development of a "brain-specialized foundation model" based on brainwave and imaging data, and the implementation of a digital twin of the human brain, have been presented as long-term projects.

Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyunghoon stated, "In the future, we may enter an era where AI is used not through keyboards or smartphones, but by direct connection with the brain." He added, "We will secure technological leadership in BCI, a core technology that will change the world in 10 to 20 years, through proactive and bold investment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.