Wearable brain-mapping with a new, affordable helmet
Official title: Commercialization Readiness of Wearable Optically Pumped Magnetoencephalography
Funded at Quspin · NIH-11324216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new wearable MEG system using optically pumped magnets aims to give precise brain images for kids and others, without the cost and cryogenics of traditional systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Quspin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,315,183 |
| NIH project number | 5SB1MH136846-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324216 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adults who need non-invasive brain imaging and functional assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Very young children or individuals who cannot wear a helmet or comply with scanning may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops a flexible, wearable MEG helmet that uses optically pumped magnetometers to capture brain activity non-invasively. It seeks to match high-resolution imaging while being more affordable and adaptable to children and people of all ages. The effort builds on prior prototypes and aims to move toward commercialization so clinics can adopt this technology for better brain care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get high-quality brain images at lower cost with a comfortable, age-inclusive device.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed promising high-density OPM-MEG prototypes; commercialization is the next step to wider clinical use.
Where this research is happening
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Quspin
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Vishal K — Quspin
- Study coordinator: Shah, Vishal K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Developing a wearable brain imaging device for better diagnosis and treatment
This study is testing a new, comfortable, and affordable wearable device that can take detailed pictures of your brain without needing to stay still, making it suitable for everyone, including kids.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.