Why in News?
- May 2024: Neuralink received US FDA approval for first in-human BCI trials.
- Demonstrated:
- Thought-controlled cursor movement
- Prosthetic-enabled motor function in paralysed patients
- Renewed global debate on:
- Human enhancement
- Brain data privacy
- Military uses of BCIs
- Parallel developments:
- China Brain Project (2016–2030)
- EU & Chile enacting “Neurorights” laws
- In India:
- IIT Kanpur developed BCI-driven robotic hand for stroke patients
- New focus on health-tech + neuro-AI convergence
Relevance
GS 2 – Governance & Social Justice
- Health governance and regulation of emerging medical technologies
- Data privacy, informed consent, and human rights (brain data)
- International cooperation on tech ethics (neurorights, global regulations)
GS 3 – Science & Technology + Internal Security
- Emerging technologies: Neuro-AI, BCIs, assistive technologies
- Dual-use technology risks (civil–military fusion, neuro-weapons)
- Strategic technology competition (US–China–EU)
What is Neurotechnology?
- Neurotechnology = technologies that:
- Record
- Monitor
- Stimulate
- Modify
brain activity directly.
- Works at the intersection of:
- Neuroscience
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biomedical Engineering
- Signal Processing
Core Technology: Brain–Computer Interface (BCI)
- BCI = Direct communication pathway between brain and external device
- Three functional layers:
- Signal acquisition → EEG or implanted electrodes
- Signal decoding → AI/ML algorithms
- Command execution → Prosthetics, cursors, wheelchairs
Types of BCIs
- Non-invasive
- EEG headsets
- Safer, less precise
- Invasive
- Implanted electrodes
- High precision, surgical risk
What Can BCIs Do?
(A) Therapeutic Uses (Current Reality)
- Paralysis → Neuroprosthetic limb control
- Parkinson’s → Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Depression → Targeted neural stimulation
- Stroke → Motor rehabilitation
- Epilepsy → Seizure detection & suppression
(B) Diagnostic Uses
- Brain disorder mapping
- Cognitive decline tracking (Alzheimer’s, dementia)
(C) Emerging Uses
- Gaming & immersive VR
- Cognitive performance tracking
- Human–AI interaction
Global Landscape
(A) United States
- Global leader via NIH – BRAIN Initiative (launched 2013)
- Focus:
- High-resolution brain mapping
- Neuro-AI interfaces
- Private sector:
- Neuralink
- BrainGate
- Synchron
(B) China
- China Brain Project (2016–2030):
- Understanding human cognition
- Brain-inspired AI
- Neurological disease treatment
- Strong civil–military fusion angle
(C) Europe & Chile
- First movers in “Neurorights” laws
- Legal protection for:
- Mental privacy
- Cognitive liberty
- Psychological integrity
Why Does India Need Neurotechnology?
(A) Public Health Imperative
- India has one of the world’s largest neurological disease burdens
- 1990–2019:
- Stroke became the largest contributor among neurological disorders
- Major disease load:
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injuries
- Parkinson’s
- Depression
(B) Economic & Strategic Opportunity
- Neurotechnology sits at convergence of:
- Biotech
- AI
- Medical devices
- High potential for:
- Export-oriented med-tech
- Defence applications
- Assistive devices market
Where Does India Stand Today?
(A) Research Institutions
- National Brain Research Centre
- Indian Institute of Science – Brain Research Centre
(B) Academic Innovation
- IIT Kanpur:
- Developed BCI-based robotic hand
- Target group: Stroke survivors
(C) Start-up Ecosystem
- Dognosis:
- Uses canine neural signals to detect cancer scent recognition
- Neuro-AI applied to animal cognition for human diagnostics
Strategic Advantages for India
- Large and genetically diverse population → better clinical datasets
- Strong base in:
- AI
- Electronics
- Biomedical engineering
- Expanding:
- Health-tech startups
- Make-in-India medical devices
Bottom-Line Assessment
- Neurotechnology is:
- No longer speculative
- Clinically viable
- Strategically sensitive
- For India:
- Healthcare transformation tool
- Next frontier of strategic tech competition
- Without regulation:
- Risk of ethical disaster
- With regulation:
- Potential global leadership in affordable neuro-health solutions
