Cerca Magnetics, a University of Nottingham spin-out, has secured the 15th position in the prestigious Sunday Times Tech 100 2026 list, showcasing Britain's fastest-growing private technology companies. This achievement is a testament to Cerca's groundbreaking work in developing and selling advanced brain imaging technology. With sales skyrocketing by nearly 107% annually over the last three years, the company's lightweight wearable brain scanner has reached a remarkable £6.4 million in 2024. This scanner is a game-changer, offering unparalleled accuracy in interrogating neural activity and providing valuable insights into conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and dementia.
Cerca's technology is making waves globally, with systems sold to leading neuroscience centers in 12 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australasia. The scanner is on the fast track for clinical approval in the UK and USA, and it's already making a difference in a major research project on epilepsy at Gt Ormond Street Hospital. The OPM-MEG scanner, utilizing magnetoencephalography principles and quantum sensors, enables the study of brain activity in natural settings, even in children. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize concussion research, as it captures real-time neuron firing data.
Cerca's journey began in 2020 with support from the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. Quantum technologies have unlocked new possibilities in brain imaging, making it possible to measure MEG signals while individuals move freely, wearing a lightweight 'helmet-like' device. This breakthrough has opened doors to exciting research avenues, especially in understanding the developing brain during early childhood years.
As Cerca continues to expand its global market and explore diverse applications, it solidifies its position as a leader in neuroscience technology. The company's commitment to technological advancement, robustness, and affordability is transforming the field, and its recognition by the Sunday Times Tech 100 is a testament to its potential to shape the future of brain imaging.
