July 2026: Brain-Computer Interfaces: When the Brain Becomes a Digital Interface

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) connect the brain directly to machines. While they have primarily been used in medicine to date, they are increasingly becoming a groundbreaking technology at the intersection of neurodata, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.

The market is still small. However, forecasts already point to a clear acceleration: The BCI market could more than double by 2030—from around $3 billion in 2025 to over $6 billion. By 2035, the market is even expected to rise to about $14 billion—a doubling every five years (see chart).

Market size is not the only decisive factor. With BCIs, the brain becomes a new source of data. This creates opportunities in medicine and human-machine interaction—but at the same time poses new risks to self-determination, data privacy, and the concentration of digital power.

The topic is also gaining geopolitical significance: In the U.S., tech entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk with Neuralink and Sam Altman with Merge Labs are driving development forward—backed by AI, platform advantages, and technological excellence. China is focusing specifically on government guidance, scaling, and industrial implementation. Europe emphasizes regulation, data protection, and ethical guidelines.

As a result, BCIs are not yet a traditional investment theme. However, they serve as an early indicator of new dynamics at the intersection of data, technology, and geopolitics. 

The Cognitive Briefing „Brain Hacking – Brain-Computer-Interfaces als digitale Schnittstelle zum Gehirn“ analyzes the opportunities, risks, and strategic implications of this new technology and is available in German for download on this page.