The Epilepsy Research Institute is playing a central role in a £1.5 million Innovate UK project to bring the world’s first quantum-enabled brain imaging system into clinical use. Working in partnership with Cerca Magnetics and the University of Nottingham, the Institute is leading on a programme of activities to develop a roadmap for how new Optically-Pumped Magnetometer (OPM) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain imaging technology can be introduced into the NHS to improve epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.
Transforming how epilepsy is diagnosed
OPM-MEG allows doctors to measure brain activity with millimetre precision. This means they can pinpoint exactly where seizures start, improving surgical planning and making more people with epilepsy eligible for life-changing treatments. The technology could also benefit people with other neurological conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia.
Compared with conventional EEG or MEG scanners, OPM-MEG is more sensitive, more comfortable for people (including children), and more cost-effective to use.
The project, A Roadmap to Clinical Application of Quantum-Enabled Brain Imaging, is part of a UK programme supporting new quantum technologies. Running from September 2025 for seven months, it contributes to the national goal of bringing quantum sensing into all NHS Trusts by 2030.
Leading NHS engagement
“Our role ensures that the perspectives of people affected by epilepsy, clinicians and policymakers are at the heart of how OPM-MEG is developed and adopted. We’re committed to engaging with communities that can help shape a practical and affordable route for this technology within the NHS.”
Hannah Pickard, Research Partnerships Lead at the Epilepsy Research Institute
“This unique quantum-enabled technology could be transformative for people with epilepsy; especially children. However, this potential will only be realised if its developers work hand-in-hand with people affected by epilepsy, clinicians and policy makers. The Epilepsy Research Institute is central to this collaboration.”
Matt Brookes, Professor of Physics at the University of Nottingham
The Epilepsy Research Institute is leading the project’s NHS engagement and validation work. This involves speaking directly with people affected by epilepsy, clinicians and policymakers to make sure the system meets real clinical needs. The team is also assessing the economic benefits of OPM-MEG and exploring ways for mobile systems to be shared between hospitals.
By the end of the project, the Institute will develop an independent report setting out how OPM-MEG can be rolled out across the NHS in a clinically practical and cost-effective way.
Tackling technical challenges
The wider project team also aims to solve key challenges, such as combining OPM-MEG with EEG, improving data quality during sleep, and developing mobile systems that can be used across the NHS. Innovative solutions being explored include lightweight, patient-friendly helmets, magnetic shielding, and low-noise, battery-powered systems.
Collaboration and impact
This national collaboration between Cerca Magnetics, the University of Nottingham and the Epilepsy Research Institute combines expertise from industry, academia and clinical practice to make OPM-MEG safe, effective and widely accessible.
Clinically, this technology could save the NHS around £2 million per year per site by enabling just two additional epilepsy surgeries each week. Globally, it could open up a market worth over £10 billion, helping millions of people with epilepsy and other brain conditions.
This project marks a major step forward in transforming how epilepsy is diagnosed and treated. By bringing together quantum technology and NHS clinical expertise, the Epilepsy Research Institute is pleased to play a key role in this UK collaboration, paving the way for a new era of brain imaging and patient care.
What is OPM-MEG brain imaging?
Optically-Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) is a new type of brain scan that measures the tiny magnetic fields created by brain activity. Using lightweight sensors in a wearable helmet, it gives doctors highly accurate information about where seizures start, helping plan surgery and improve treatment.
More comfortable, portable and cost-effective than traditional scanners, OPM-MEG could make advanced brain imaging available in more NHS hospitals and benefit people with epilepsy and other brain conditions.