Functional brain imaging market to reach $7.17 billion by 2030

The global functional brain imaging system market is projected to rise from $5.08 billion in 2025 to $5.45 billion in 2026, according to The Business Research Company, as demand grows for precise neurological diagnostics and brain-cancer monitoring. The market is expected to keep expanding through 2030, with North America holding the largest regional share in 2025.

Why it matters: - Functional brain imaging systems help clinicians and researchers measure brain activity, support neurological diagnosis and track treatment response. - Rising brain cancer cases and broader use in neurology and psychiatry are expanding demand for more precise imaging tools. - The market is moving toward portable devices, hybrid imaging and AI-assisted analysis, which could change how brain disorders are detected and monitored.

What happened: - The global functional brain imaging system market is projected to grow from $5.08 billion in 2025 to $5.45 billion in 2026. - That forecast implies 7.4% annual growth in 2026. - The market is expected to reach $7.17 billion by 2030. - The Business Research Company released the report on August 7, 2026. - North America held the largest share of the market in 2025.

The details: - Functional brain imaging systems visualize and measure brain activity by tracking changes in blood flow, oxygen levels or metabolism tied to neural activation. - The systems are used in clinical diagnostics and scientific research. - The report points to several past growth drivers, including limited access to high-resolution imaging, reliance on conventional imaging methods, rising neurological disorders, expanding academic research and early adoption of functional MRI. - Future growth is linked to portable and wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy devices, AI in brain imaging analysis, and broader use of hybrid systems such as PET/MRI and PET/CT. - The report also cites stronger funding for cognitive neuroscience and expansion of hospital and diagnostic imaging infrastructure. - Market trends highlighted include wider clinical use, growing wearable adoption, more cognitive science research, stronger neurology and psychiatry diagnostics, and hybrid imaging development. - The report says rising brain cancer prevalence is a major market driver. - Cancer Australia data cited in the release showed 1,597 brain-cancer deaths in 2023, including 956 males and 641 females. - The release projects those deaths will rise to 1,639 by 2025, including 979 males and 660 females. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The company offers a free sample of the report here. - The full report is available here.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests functional brain imaging is shifting from a specialized research tool toward a broader clinical market. - The emphasis on portable, wearable and hybrid systems signals demand for imaging that is more flexible and easier to deploy outside major research centers. - The cancer data underscores how disease burden can translate into equipment demand, especially where earlier diagnosis and treatment monitoring matter.

What's next: - The market is expected to keep growing through 2030 at a 7.1% CAGR. - Adoption of AI, wearable fNIRS devices and hybrid imaging systems will likely shape the next phase of competition. - Hospital and diagnostic imaging expansion should support wider use across clinical settings.

The bottom line: - Functional brain imaging is set for steady growth as neurological disease burden, clinical diagnostics and new imaging technologies converge.