NEXT Biometrics has received a significant purchase order from Indian technology firm ACPL, valued between NOK 55 million and 107 million (approximately $5.2–10.1 million USD). The agreement represents a major expansion of a strategic partnership that began in 2022.
Expanded Deployments Across Six Countries
The order is centered on advanced fingerprint sensors for identity verification and payments use cases. Shipments are scheduled to begin in Q2. The sensors will be integrated into ACPL devices deployed in Chile, India, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, and Uganda.
The purchase order includes two potential sensor configurations: a more advanced model developed in close collaboration with ACPL, and a standard FAP20 sensor. Depending on the final product selection, the overall value of the order will vary within the specified range. The new sensor, expected to formally launch later in 2025, carries a higher unit cost due to enhanced performance capabilities.
Certification and Market Recovery
A key milestone leading to the order was the successful completion of the Aadhaar L1 certification process. The sensors passed rigorous testing for authentication accuracy, processing speed, and resistance to spoofing and other security threats, confirming their suitability for India’s high-security identity infrastructure.
The development follows a period of revenue challenges for NEXT Biometrics in early 2025, attributed in part to delays in India’s Aadhaar program. The new order is seen as a sign of recovery and continued expansion in the Indian market, supported by a stable pipeline and growing demand in emerging regions.
Strategic Alignment and Market Growth
“This is a significant milestone in a truly collaborative partnership,” said Ulf Ritsvall, CEO of NEXT Biometrics. “We share a commitment to delivering strong and convenient biometric authentication for India and beyond. We’re proud to partner with ACPL and believe this order is a testament to the quality and relevance of our technology.”
The deal builds on NEXT’s broader presence in emerging markets, where its sensors are being adopted for financial inclusion initiatives and government identity programs. The company holds multiple international certifications—including FBI-PIV, NIBSS, and MOSIP compliance—enabling its use across a wide range of regulated environments.
The latest order significantly exceeds the scale of the previous NOK 15 million order announced in September 2023, reflecting rapid growth in the relationship between ACPL and NEXT and underscoring rising demand for robust, scalable biometric solutions in global markets.
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May 14, 2025 – by Ji-seo Kim
