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Convicted Scientist Leads $153M Shenzhen Brain-Interface Lab

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Charles Lieber, a convicted U.S. felon, reestablished his brain-computer-interface lab in Shenzhen, gaining primate cages and a deep-ultraviolet lithography system.
Lieber now leads the state-funded i-BRAIN institute at the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation.
i-BRAIN, part of SMART, has a 2026 budget of about $153 million fully financed by Shenzhen.
U.S. analysts say his move reveals gaps in American controls over dual-use neurotechnology despite prior Department of Defense funding.

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Story summary

Charles Lieber, a convicted U.S. felon, reestablished his brain-computer-interface lab in Shenzhen, gaining primate cages and a deep-ultraviolet lithography system.
Lieber now leads the state-funded i-BRAIN institute at the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation.
i-BRAIN, part of SMART, has a 2026 budget of about $153 million fully financed by Shenzhen.
U.S. analysts say his move reveals gaps in American controls over dual-use neurotechnology despite prior Department of Defense funding.