Oslo, 22 December 2023 - NEXT Biometrics (NEXT) has received a new volume order
from a Singapore-based distributor, amounting to NOK 12 million, to deliver its
flagship fingerprint sensor FAP20. NEXT will start its deliveries in Q4 2023 and
expects to complete deliveries for this order by the end of Q1 2024.
In line with its strategy, NEXT continues to make progress in the rapidly
evolving Indian biometrics market. Today, NEXT serves and supports several
high-security business segments, such as the financial industry, law enforcement
and top tier PC OEMs, with its fingerprint sensors based on its patented Active
ThermalTM technology.
The new volume order comes from a Singapore-based distributor. From Sensor
provider to OEMs to distributors, the biometric value chain consists of many
partners and processes. NEXT's distributor acts as both an importer of
fingerprint sensors, as well as a fulfillment partner, which secures improved
availability of sensors in relevant regions.
Ulf Ritsvall, Chief Executive Officer at NEXT, comments the order:
"I am immensely proud of our team's hard work and the business progress we are
making in India. It is one of our key markets, and it is also one of the most
competitive markets in the world. Yet again, with this order we have
demonstrated the strength of NEXT's technology, our expertise, and our ability
to repeatedly gain our customer's trust. Step by step, we are broadening and
strengthening our imprint in India."
As previously announced, the Indian government is upgrading India's biometric
and digital ID services program, Aadhaar, to the NEXT generation security
standard. Thus, as per June 2024, all devices to be used within the ID program
must now meet new, stricter security requirements and be certified according to
Aadhaar's so called "L1" certification level.
The generational changes in Aadhaar are an upgrade creating strong momentum for
NEXT, as roughly 4.5 million L0 devices will need to be replaced by L1 certified
devices.
Digvijay Singh Kanwar, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales India, US,
Europe, and Africa, at NEXT, provides further insight into the current market
demands:
"Security is undoubtedly a top priority in today's business landscape