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OPM-MEG Site Implementation Competition

The OPM-MEG Site Implementation Competition will establish the first OPM-MEG sites in two NHS sites across the UK, supporting the introduction of this next-generation brain imaging technology into routine epilepsy care.

Optically Pumped Magnetometer-Magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) is a pioneering, quantum-enabled brain imaging technology that can localise seizure activity with millimetre-level precision.

Compared with conventional MEG and EEG, OPM-MEG is more sensitive and accessible. Its lightweight, helmet-like design allows patients to move more naturally during scanning, making it particularly valuable for improving epilepsy diagnosis and surgical planning, especially for children.

About the programme

The Epilepsy Research Institute, in partnership with Cerca Magnetics and the University of Nottingham, is launching a two-year multi-institutional UKRI funded project to support the clinical implementation of OPM-MEG within NHS epilepsy care.

This project will establish two clinical implementation sites, generating the evidence needed to support UKCA marking, MHRA registration, NICE approval and future routine use of OPM-MEG in the UK.

Opportunity for NHS epilepsy centres

As part of this UK-wide competition, we are inviting applications from all specialist NHS epilepsy centres, with a particular interest in hearing from Children’s Epilepsy Surgery Service centres. We also welcome joint applications across specialist NHS epilepsy centres and encourage applications from centres across a range of geographical locations.

Successful sites will:

  • Host a new OPM-MEG system and magnetically shielded room (MSR)
  • Work collaboratively on clinical evaluation studies
  • Recruit people with epilepsy to assess OPM-MEG safety and performance alongside existing investigations, including EEG and MRI
  • Help shape the future integration of OPM-MEG into epilepsy pathways

Installation of the OPM-MEG system and MSR is expected to begin in June 2027, with the clinical evaluation studies starting in early 2028.

What’s included?

Successful sites will receive:

  • Full installation and set-up of an OPM-MEG system and MSR
  • Training for site staff from Cerca Magnetics and the University of Nottingham
  • System maintenance costs for 12 months from installation. An optional ongoing maintenance contract after 12 months will be available (approx. £50,000pa)
  • Support from a postdoctoral research fellow and the Epilepsy Research Institute for the evaluation studies and cross-site collaborations
  • Transfer of OPM-MEG system ownership following completion of the clinical evaluation studies
  • Priority access to the full OPM-MEG economic model when ready for distribution

 What’s required?

  • Commitment to participating in the clinical evaluation studies, including nominating a Principal Investigator to support with regulatory and ethical approvals
  • Access to the OPM-MEG system throughout the clinical evaluation period
  • Clinical input to support implementation and integration into local care pathways
  • Provide the Epilepsy Research Institute with exclusive use of the OPM-MEG system for up to 10 days a year for the first five years of use

How to apply

To apply:

  1. Contact Hannah Pickard at [email protected] to arrange an initial discussion and find out more information.
  2. Complete and submit an application form, alongside a letter of support from your NHS Executive Sponsor confirming approval in principle for this application.

Please submit all documentation to Hannah Pickard at [email protected].

 Key dates

  • Application deadline: Wednesday 21 October 2026, 4pm
  • Applicants will be longlisted.
  • Site visits. Site visits will be conducted for all longlisted applicants during November. Applicants are asked to ensure that relevant staff members are available during this period.
  • Applicants will be shortlisted and invited to interview in early December.
  • Successful applicants notified: December 2026
  • OPM-MEG contracting and installation begins: January – June 2027
  • Clinical evaluation studies begin: Early 2028
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