Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing

What Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing does

The Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing (CIBR) is a Beijing Municipal Government co-funded new R&D institution established in March 2018, focused on fundamental and translational brain science and brain-like intelligence research. It operates across four research directions — brain cognitive principles, major brain diseases, neuroscience new technologies, and neural computation/coding — staffed by 40+ internationally recruited principal investigators across 37 laboratories and 11 auxiliary technology centers on a 62,000 sqm campus in Beijing's Zhongguancun Life Science Park.

CIBR's translational portfolio centers on three gene therapy programs (GA001 optogenetic therapy for retinitis pigmentosa, GA002 chemogenetic therapy for refractory epilepsy, and GA008 in neuropathic pain) and a brain-computer interface system ("Beibrain No.1"). Underlying technology platforms include the TIGER gene-editing prediction portal, rAAV and lentiviral vector engineering, gene-edited animal models, optical imaging, mass spectrometry, drug chemistry, micro-nano fabrication, and proprietary AI systems such as the Sleep Interpreter neural decoding model. Clinical operations run through partnerships with Xuanwu, Tiantan, and Anding hospitals; GA001 has received approvals in both China and the US.

Revenue mechanics rely on Beijing Municipal appropriations and national research grants (China Brain Project), supplemented by technology transfer and licensing to commercial partners — Jianda Jiuzhou is the sole licensee for the GA gene therapy programs. CIBR also runs joint graduate programs with eight Chinese universities including PKU, Tsinghua, BNU, CAMS/PUMC, CMU, and BIT. Customer-facing activity targets four segments: patients with neurological disorders (via hospital clinical trials), the academic research community, international neuroscience talent, and pharmaceutical/biotech companies pursuing CNS drug discovery collaboration.

Name

Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing

Legal name

北京脑科学与类脑研究所

Website

https://cibr.ac.cn

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing is a municipal-government-backed neuroscience R&D institute developing gene therapies (GA001, GA002, GA008), brain-computer interfaces ("Beibrain No.1"), and AI neural-decoding models. It serves neurological patients via hospital trials, academic researchers, and pharmaceutical industry partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Neuroscience Research Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)

akta.pro primary industry

Neurology/CNS Gene Therapies (HLAAACAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

AI/ML Platforms for Drug Discovery & Experiment Optimization (HLAGAJAO)

Keywords

• Neuroscience research services
• Gene therapy development
• Brain-computer interface technology
• Viral vector engineering
• Clinical translational research

Headquarters

HQ city

Changping

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Research Funding & Grants: CIBR is a Beijing Municipal Government co-built public research institution. Core funding comes from government appropriations and national brain research program (脑计划) project grants. Additional funding from national natural science foundation, science and technology innovation projects.
2. Technology Transfer & Clinical Development Partnerships: Research discoveries are transferred to clinical application through partnered commercial entities. GA002 and GA001 are developed via 健达九州（北京）生物科技有限公司. The institute earns revenue through IP licensing, milestone payments, and clinical development collaborations.
3. Graduate Education & Training Services: Joint graduate training programs with Peking University, Tsinghua University, Beijing Normal University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, and Capital Medical University generate tuition/fees and funded research positions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CIBR is a public research institute conducting fundamental and translational neuroscience research across four major directions: brain cognitive principles, major brain diseases, novel neuroscience technologies, and neural computation/coding. It develops gene therapy drug candidates (GA001 for retinitis pigmentosa, GA002 for refractory epilepsy, GA008 for neuropathic pain), brain-computer interface products (Beibrain No.1), and operates 11 centralized research platform services providing viral vectors, gene-edited model animals, imaging, behavior analysis, mass spectrometry, drug chemistry, micro-nano fabrication, and instrumentation support.

Product overview

Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing (CIBR) is a research institute focused on brain science and brain-like research, not a commercial product company. Its core offerings include: (1) Gene therapy products - GA002 injection (global first chemogenetic gene therapy for epilepsy in clinical trials), GA001 injection (optogenetic therapy for retinal pigmentosa in clinical trials), and GA008 pipeline for neuropathic pain; (2) Brain-computer interface technology - 'Beibrain No.1' in GCP clinical verification; (3) Multiple research service platforms including Vector Core (virus vectors), Genetic Manipulation Core (gene-edited animals), Instrument Center, Optical Imaging Center, Genomics Center, Behavioral Analysis Center, Mass Spectrometry Center, Drug Chemistry Center, and Micro-Nano Technology Center; (4) Research tools like TIGER Portal for mutation repair prediction. The institute's focus is on translating basic research into clinical applications in gene therapy and brain-computer interfaces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GA002 Injection (GA002注射液) Global first chemogenetic-based gene therapy drug for focal refractory epilepsy. Uses rAAV vector to deliver inhibitory G-protein coupled receptor to epileptic focus neurons, with配套 small molecule ligand for selective and controllable inhibition of abnormally excitatory neurons. Developed for patients with focal refractory epilepsy who do not respond to existing medications.
• GA001 Injection (GA001注射液) Optogenetics-based gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa. Single intraocular micro-injection using rAAV to deliver light-sensitive proteins to retinal cells for vision restoration. Approved for clinical trials in both China and the US, with over 10 patients treated at Beijing Tiantan Hospital achieving varying degrees of vision improvement.
• GA008 Pipeline (GA008管线) Gene therapy pipeline for refractory neuropathic pain, under development with plans to submit IND applications to both China CDE and US FDA.
• Beibrain No.1 (北脑一号) Brain-computer interface product that has entered GCP clinical verification stage for neural signal recording and decoding.
• Vector Core Services (载体工程中心) Virus vector services including rAAV, lentivirus, and retrovirus packaging, purification, and testing. Provides full-process services from vector design, clone construction, virus packaging, to stock inventory and technical consultation.
• Genetic Manipulation Center Services (遗传操作中心) Gene-edited model animal generation services including transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice and rats for neuroscience research.
• Instrumentation Center Services (仪器仪表中心) Instrument technology research and equipment development including electronics, optics, mechanical materials, software. Provides equipment maintenance, transformation, and custom development services. Developed products include miniature implantable telemetry biosensors, temperature monitoring systems, and programmable shock systems.
• TIGER Portal Template-independent genome editing restoration prediction algorithm and query tool for evaluating frameshift mutation repair efficiency. Predicts in-frame ratio, length-restoring rate, and wild-type protein ratio for gene therapy applications.
• Beijing Brain Science International Academic Conference (北京脑科学国际学术大会) International academic exchange platform for brain science research, hosted biennially since 2020, featuring Nobel laureates and top scientists from multiple countries. Co-hosted with Nature Portfolio and Changping Laboratory.

Quantifiable outcome

• 17 IIT studies approved; 3 registered clinical trials (brain-computer interface, gene therapy for blindness, gene therapy for epilepsy); 100+ patients treated across clinical programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• 首都医科大学宣武医院 (Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2026Clinical trial site for GA002 injection registered clinical trial. Hosted the GA002 clinical trial kickoff meeting on July 5, 2026. One of China's leading neurosurgery hospitals under the National Neurological Disease Medical Center.
• 健达九州（北京）生物科技有限公司 (Jianda Jiuzhou Beijing Biotechnology Co., Ltd.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026Technology transfer partner for GA002 injection (chemogenetic gene therapy for refractory epilepsy) and GA001 injection (optogenetic gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa). Jianda Jiuzhou is responsible for advancing CIBR's gene therapy research discoveries through clinical development and commercialization.
• 首都医科大学附属北京天坛医院 (Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Clinical trial site for GA001 injection Phase I clinical trial for retinitis pigmentosa; completed dosing of more than 10 patients achieving varying vision improvements; received clinical trial approvals in both China and the US.
• 首都医科大学安定医院 (Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Top clinical institution for neurological and psychiatric diseases; clinical partner for CIBR's gene therapy clinical programs including GA002 epilepsy treatment research.
• 首都医科大学 (Capital Medical University)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Joint doctoral recruitment program for 2026; graduate training collaboration; clinical partners for gene therapy trials (Xuanwu, Tiantan, Anding hospitals are all CCMU-affiliated).
• 北京理工大学 (Beijing Institute of Technology)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 20262026 joint doctoral student recruitment under 'application-examination' system. BIT-CIBR collaboration for neuroscience and brain-like research training.
• 昌平实验室 (Changping Laboratory)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Co-host of 2026 Beijing Brain Science International Academic Conference. Conference venue is at Changping Laboratory West Area Building B. Major event partner for the 2026 conference.
• Nature PortfoliocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Co-host of 2026 4th Beijing Brain Science International Academic Conference with theme 'From Molecules to Circuits: New Pathways for Brain Disease Intervention'. Nature Portfolio provides international academic platform and brand partnership.
• 全国前沿交叉研究院院长联席会 (National Front-line Interdisciplinary Research Institute Directors Association)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Co-organizer of the 7th National Front-line Interdisciplinary Excellent Postdoctoral Forum. CIBR co-hosted with Chongqing Medical University, PKU-THU Life Sciences Joint Center, and others.
• 北京师范大学 (Beijing Normal University)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Joint academic doctoral program in 2026 for academic degree doctoral students. Collaborative research including cognitive neuroscience studies (e.g., Liu Yunzhe lab collaboration with BNU's Luo Yuejia team).
• 北京芯智达神经技术有限公司 (Beijing Xinzhida Neurotechnology Co., Ltd.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Jointly established the Micro-Nano Technology Center with CIBR. Provides micro-nano processing technical support for neuroscience and brain-machine interface research and production activities.
• 国家神经疾病医学中心 (National Neurological Disease Medical Center)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021National medical center led by Xuanwu Hospital Director Zhao Guoguang. CIBR collaborates on brain disease research, brain-machine interface clinical trials, and neurosurgical robotics development.
• 北京大学 (Peking University)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Joint postdoctoral recruitment since May and July 2019. Joint graduate training program producing doctoral students. Multiple CIBR researchers hold joint appointments at PKU.
• 清华大学 (Tsinghua University)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Joint postdoctoral recruitment since 2019. Collaborative graduate training in brain science. Contributed to TIGER platform development and other research projects.
• 中国医学科学院北京协和医学院 (Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Jointly established China Academy of Medical Sciences Beijing Brain and Brain-like Research Institute and PUMC Brain and Brain-like College on June 12, 2024. Provides graduate training programs in neurobiology (071006). Core co-building partner.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Janelia Research Campus (HHMI): HHMI's research campus running independent PI labs in neuroscience, imaging, and AI-driven biology. Comparable to CIBR in operating model (independent labs, shared technology centers, basic-to-translational research pipeline, high-end international PI recruitment).
• Allen Institute for Brain Science: US-based nonprofit brain research institute producing large-scale neuroscience datasets, atlases, and tools. Directly comparable to CIBR as a government/philanthropically funded research institute with multiple technology platforms, multi-PI structure, and translational neuroscience focus.
• Salk Institute for Biological Studies: Independent nonprofit biological research institute with multiple PI-led labs, shared facilities, and high-impact publication record. Comparable to CIBR in operating structure, talent recruitment model, and emphasis on fundamental neuroscience with translational spillovers.
• Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology: Shanghai-based government co-built brain research center with parallel mission in brain science and brain-inspired AI. Most direct Chinese peer to CIBR given shared mandate, funding model, and translational research orientation.

Broad incumbents

• Spark Therapeutics: Acquired gene therapy company (Roche subsidiary) with approved AAV-based retinal therapies including Luxturna for inherited retinal disease. Directly relevant to GA001's retinitis pigmentosa indication as the established market leader.

Emerging players

• uniQure: Clinical-stage gene therapy company with AAV-based programs in Huntington's disease and other CNS indications. Comparable to CIBR's neurology gene therapy pipeline in modality and target indication space.
• Blackrock Neurotech: Brain-computer interface company developing neural recording and stimulation platforms for clinical and research use. Directly relevant to CIBR's Beibrain No. 1 BCI product in clinical verification.
• Regenxbio: Clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on AAV-based treatments for CNS, retinal, and metabolic diseases. Comparable to CIBR's GA001/GA002 programs via shared AAV delivery technology, with deeper late-stage clinical infrastructure.

Regional players

• Westlake University School of Life Sciences: Zhejiang-based Chinese private research university with significant neuroscience and biomedical research capacity. Comparable to CIBR as a new-model Chinese research institution pursuing high-quality life science output, though structurally independent rather than government-co-built.
• Zhejiang University - Liangzhu Laboratory / MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science: Zhejiang University-affiliated brain science research center with similar mandate in basic-to-translational neuroscience. Comparable to CIBR as another Chinese government-supported multi-PI neuroscience platform with industry partnerships.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chinese-institute-for-brain-research-beijing-cibr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing