Friday, 16 January 2026
糖心原创 spin-out, Cerca Magnetics has been placed at 15 in the highly regarded , which ranks Britain’s fastest-growing private technology companies.
The 糖心原创 spinout, which developed and sells some of the world's most advanced instrumentation for human brain imaging, is included for increasing sales nearly 107 per cent annually for the last three years.
Sales of Cerca’s lightweight wearable brain scanner reached £6.4m in 2024. The scanner interrogates neural activity with unprecedented accuracy. It can be used to probe conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and dementia,
This important recognition comes as we grow our global market and expand the range of applications that our technology can impact. The Cerca scanner is without peer, combining technological advances with engineered robustness and affordability, to transform neuroscientific knowledge.鈥�
The company has sold its systems to leading neuroscience centres in 12 countries, with customers in north America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. The scanner is currently on the approval pathway for clinical use, including in the UK and USA. It is being used by clinicians based at Gt Ormond Street Hospital as part of a major research project into epilepsy.
The Cerca Magnetics OPM-MEG scanner uses the principles of magnetoencephalography (MEG), which measure neural activity via detection of magnetic fields produced by electrical currents in the brain.
These fields are measured using newly developed quantum sensors called optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). The sensors are lightweight and integrated into a wearable “helmet” that moves with the head. This makes it possible to study brain activity in people as they move naturally and carry out everyday tasks. The wearable system is also adaptable to scan children.
Data from the scanner show neurons firing in real time, which will also benefit research into concussion. Cerca was recently awarded a £2.8m contract to develop and build the world's first mobile OPM-MEG scanner for the UK Ministry of Defence where it will be used to assess blast exposure on military personnel.
Cerca Magnetics was founded in 2020 with support from the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme.
Quantum technologies have revolutionised what is possible with brain imaging. Ten years ago, measuring MEG signals in people as they move around freely, whilst wearing what is essentially a hat, seemed like science fiction. Now, it鈥檚 possible and opening up new worlds of research, particularly related to the developing brain in the early years of life.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.