Tianjin Hosts China's Inaugural MRI-Based Brain-Computer Interface Conference

China's First National Conference on MRI-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces

On August 23, 2026, Tianjin witnessed a groundbreaking event—the first National Conference focused on MRI-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs). Approximately 400 experts, representatives from academia, hospitals, industry leaders, and regulatory science institutes came together to discuss transformative technologies and clinical applications in this innovative field.

The event was co-hosted by Tianjin University, the Haihe Laboratory of Brain-Computer Interaction and Human-Machine Integration, and United Imaging Healthcare, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing this technology. The conference concentrated on the crucial aspects of MRI-based BCI, including key technology developments, clinical translation challenges, and the establishment of a robust industrial ecosystem.

During the conference, a significant milestone was achieved with the introduction of uMR ShenGuan, the world's first comprehensive solution for MRI-based BCIs, announced by Tianjin University and United Imaging Healthcare. This solution represents a pivotal step in the BCI landscape, incorporating a wide array of technologies that span everything from brain signal acquisition and decoding to neural modulation and treatment evaluation.

The uMR ShenGuan solution is built on the advanced uMR MRI systems developed by United Imaging, delivering a full-stack approach that integrates high-performance MRI capabilities with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution. Its remarkable design optimally combines MRI hardware, a specialized BCI toolkit compatible with MRI, and neuromodulation technologies that are seamlessly integrated into clinical workflows. Notably, it supports a range of MRI systems operating at cutting-edge strengths of 3.0T, 5.0T, and 9.4T, thereby facilitating the crucial transition of BCI technologies from basic research into practical clinical applications.

One of the standout features of this solution is its ability to capture neural activity with millisecond-level resolution, enabling researchers and practitioners to measure brain structures with impressive submillimeter precision. Moreover, it effectively addresses the common challenge of electromagnetic interference between MRI scanners and BCI devices, providing a closed-loop workflow that integrates treatment planning, real-time intervention, and post-treatment optimization.

This collaborative effort has blossomed from a previous partnership that established a joint MRI platform in October 2025. Since then, Tianjin University and United Imaging have worked together on research and technical validation initiatives focused on high-resolution brain activity acquisition, MRI-guided neuromodulation, and further advancements in MRI-compatible BCI technologies.

The formation of an innovation alliance during this conference marks a milestone in fostering academic and clinical collaboration. This alliance aims to unite various stakeholders such as academia, healthcare institutions, related companies, and regulatory organizations. It is designed to facilitate multi-center research projects, accelerate the clinical translation of BCI technologies, develop industry standards, nurture talent, and foster robust academic exchanges.

As the world looks towards future innovations in neuroscience and technology, the developments arising from this conference signal promising advancements that align technical research with clinical needs, industry developments, and regulatory frameworks.

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