China Brain Chip Firm Says It Trails Neuralink by 3 Years

Chinese brain-computer interface company NeuCyber Neurotech said its most advanced brain chip technology is still about three years behind Elon Musk’s Neuralink, highlighting the gap as China accelerates development in the sector.

The company said its latest invasive product, Beinao-2, is still in the animal testing stage, while Neuralink already has more than 20 human trial participants. NeuCyber’s executives said the next steps include early clinical studies and then larger human trials before the technology can move closer to commercial use.

China recently approved its first invasive brain-computer interface device for commercial use, showing how quickly the country is trying to expand in the field. Beijing has also elevated brain-computer interfaces to a priority strategic industry alongside quantum technology and embodied AI.

NeuCyber has already implanted its earlier Beinao-1 system in several patients, including individuals with severe paralysis, and said some users showed improvement in hand movement and computer control. The company aims to broaden trials further this year as it works toward regulatory approval.

The update reflects China’s wider effort to narrow the gap with leading global brain chip developers while building a domestic market for advanced neurotechnology.

Ecolab Buys CoolIT for $4.75B to Target AI Cooling Demand

Ecolab has agreed to acquire liquid cooling specialist CoolIT Systems from KKR for approximately $4.75 billion in cash, aiming to expand its presence in the fast-growing AI data center market.

The deal comes as technology companies increase investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, driving demand for advanced cooling solutions. Traditional air cooling is being replaced by liquid-based systems that can handle higher chip densities and energy loads.

CoolIT provides liquid cooling technology to major industry players, including chipmakers such as Nvidia and AMD. Its systems are widely used by hyperscale and colocation data center operators.

Ecolab expects the acquisition to strengthen its capabilities by combining CoolIT’s hardware and thermal engineering expertise with its own strengths in water management, chemistry and digital monitoring. This integration is expected to position the company as a more comprehensive provider of cooling and fluid management solutions.

CoolIT is projected to generate around $550 million in revenue over the next year. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026 and contribute positively to Ecolab’s earnings per share by 2028.

ByteDance Sells Moonton to Saudi PIF Gaming Firm

ByteDance has agreed to sell its gaming unit Moonton to Savvy Games Group, a Riyadh-based company owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, as part of a broader shift in strategy.

The deal, reportedly valued at more than $6 billion, transfers ownership of the studio behind the popular mobile title Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Moonton was acquired by ByteDance in 2021 and has since become a key player in the global mobile gaming market.

The transaction reflects ongoing consolidation in the gaming industry, where companies are seeking scale, intellectual property and global reach. For Savvy Games Group, the acquisition strengthens its position in mobile gaming and esports as it continues expanding through strategic investments.

For ByteDance, the move aligns with its increasing focus on artificial intelligence and core technology initiatives, as competition intensifies in China’s AI sector.

Moonton’s leadership is expected to remain unchanged, ensuring continuity in operations following the transition.