StairMed

Overview

Shanghai StairMed Technology Co., Ltd., commonly known as StairMed, is a pioneering company in the field of minimally invasive implantable brain-machine interfaces (BMI). Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, StairMed has raised a total of over RMB 1.1 billion (approximately USD 160 million) in funding. The company focuses on developing advanced BMI technologies aimed at enhancing human-machine interaction, targeting neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. Key investors include Alibaba, Tencent, Fountainbridge Capital, and others. The founders include Zhengtuo Zhao, who has steered the company with his vision of integrating brain and machine intelligence.

Recent Developments

April 2026: StairMed announced a strategic financing round of RMB 500 million led by Alibaba, with participation from Tencent, Fountainbridge Capital, and more, bringing total funds raised in the past year to over RMB 1.1 billion (USD 160 million). This funding aims to accelerate the development of StairMed’s BMI platform and expand its clinical programs.
Early 2026: The company completed the clinical implantation of its 256-channel wireless invasive BMI system using a proprietary surgical robot. This marked the first such clinical trial in China.
2026 Plans: StairMed is set to initiate large-scale, multi-center registration clinical trials for its BMI system by mid-2026, targeting around 40 patient implants by year-end. It also plans to expand its neuromodulation pipeline and initiate formal clinical trials for its deep-brain stimulation (DBS) system in 2027.
Technological Innovations: StairMed’s system is recognized as the only invasive BMI in China to receive access to the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Green Channel for Innovative Medical Devices, positioning it for faster regulatory approval.
Strategic Partnerships: The involvement of Alibaba and Tencent, two tech giants, underscores the strategic importance of BMIs as a convergence of life sciences and information technology.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	2021
Headquarters	Shanghai, China
Founders	Zhengtuo Zhao
Revenue	Not publicly disclosed
Profits	Not publicly disclosed
Key Investors	Alibaba, Tencent, others
Industry	Therapeutic Devices
Number of Employees	Not publicly disclosed

Early History

StairMed was founded in 2021 by Zhengtuo Zhao with a mission to advance brain-machine interface technology. The early focus was on creating minimally invasive BMIs that integrate seamlessly with existing neurological treatment paradigms. In the initial stages, the company developed proprietary ultra-flexible electrodes and micro-nano technologies to enhance precision in brain signal capture. With backing from notable investors such as Tencent and OrbiMed, StairMed quickly established itself as a leader in the BMI space in China. By 2025, the company completed its first prospective clinical trial for invasive BMI, making significant progress in both technological development and regulatory approvals.

Company Profile and Achievements

StairMed’s core business model revolves around developing and commercializing brain-machine interfaces and related technologies for medical applications. The company has made notable achievements since its inception:

Proprietary Technology: Developed ultra-flexible microelectrodes, enabling precision in recording brain signals.
Clinical Trials: Successfully completed China’s first clinical trial for a 256-channel invasive BMI system.
Funding: Secured over USD 160 million in funding over several rounds, with significant backing from leading tech companies.
Regulatory Milestones: Achieved NMPA Green Channel status for rapid regulatory advancement.
Global Positioning: Emerged as a key player in the global BMI space, competing with well-known firms like Neuralink.

Current Operations and Market Position

StairMed is actively advancing its BMI systems and closed-loop deep brain stimulation technologies, targeting conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. The company's strategic partnerships with tech giants enhance its market position, leveraging expertise in AI and multi-modal models. By mid-2026, StairMed aims to complete large-scale clinical trials with implementation across numerous patients, further establishing its leadership in China’s rapidly developing BMI industry.

Conclusion

StairMed is at the forefront of the brain-machine interface industry, paving the way for future advancements in smart neural technologies. With strong backing from top-tier investors and a focus on both medical and technological innovation, StairMed is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of human-machine interaction in healthcare. The company's ongoing developments and strategic initiatives suggest substantial potential for impacting neurological treatment frameworks and expanding the BMI market globally.