Story perspectives

Chinese Startup Gestala Pioneers Noninvasive Brain-Computer Interfaces

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Gestala, a Chinese brain-computer interface startup, aims to noninvasively access the brain with ultrasound.
Co-founders Phoenix Peng and Tianqiao Chen plan a clinical device for chronic pain in Chengdu, with offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
They envision a future wearable helmet for depression and stroke recovery.
This approach aligns with OpenAI's investment in Merge Labs and would measure blood flow to gauge neural activity rather than electrical signals.

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Story summary

Gestala, a Chinese brain-computer interface startup, aims to noninvasively access the brain with ultrasound.
Co-founders Phoenix Peng and Tianqiao Chen plan a clinical device for chronic pain in Chengdu, with offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
They envision a future wearable helmet for depression and stroke recovery.
This approach aligns with OpenAI's investment in Merge Labs and would measure blood flow to gauge neural activity rather than electrical signals.