Micro-X Secures $6M Extension to Develop Additional Self-Screening Checkpoints
Micro-X Ltd has secured a $6 million contract extension from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop and test additional self-screening airport security checkpoints, marking a significant step forward in its innovative security technology program.
- Micro-X awarded $6 million extension to U.S. DHS contract
- Funding supports two additional self-screening checkpoint units
- Testing phase to cover three checkpoint units over 16 months
- Potential $7.5 million second extension for full six-station lane development
- Project advances Micro-X’s cold cathode X-ray technology in airport security
Contract Extension Signals Growing Confidence
Australian technology firm Micro-X Ltd (ASX:MX1) has announced a $6 million contract extension with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), reinforcing its role in pioneering next-generation airport security solutions. This extension, executed by Micro-X’s wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Micro-X, Inc., builds on an initial $5.6 million commitment and continues the development of self-screening checkpoint technology designed to enhance passenger security screening.
Expanding the Checkpoints Project
The funding will enable Micro-X to manufacture two additional self-screening checkpoint units and conduct comprehensive testing across three units over the next 16 months. This phase is critical as it moves the project closer to real-world airport trials, where the technology will be evaluated with travelling passengers. The checkpoints leverage Micro-X’s proprietary cold cathode, carbon nanotube emitter technology, which offers significant advantages in size, weight, and power consumption compared to traditional X-ray systems.
Looking Ahead: Potential for Further Growth
Beyond this extension, there is an option for a second contract extension valued at $7.5 million, which would fund the development of a full six-station lane and enable airport testing with live passenger flow. This next stage could be transformative, positioning Micro-X as a key player in modernising airport security infrastructure with more efficient and mobile X-ray screening solutions.
Strategic Importance and Market Implications
Micro-X’s ongoing collaboration with the DHS highlights the strategic importance of its technology in addressing evolving security challenges. The company’s vertically integrated design and production capabilities, based in Adelaide, combined with its expanding U.S. presence, underpin its ability to meet complex government requirements. This contract extension not only provides immediate financial support but also signals confidence in Micro-X’s innovation pipeline and commercial prospects within the security technology sector.
CEO Commentary and Company Outlook
Brian Gonzales, CEO Americas and Chief Scientist, emphasised the milestone, stating that the funding will accelerate the manufacture and testing of additional checkpoint units, bringing Micro-X closer to operational airport trials. As the company advances, the successful execution of these phases will be pivotal in securing further government contracts and expanding its footprint in the global security market.
Bottom Line?
Micro-X’s DHS contract extension marks a critical juncture in its airport security ambitions, with the next phases poised to define its market trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the DHS execute the second $7.5 million contract extension for full lane development?
- How will Micro-X’s technology perform in live airport passenger testing scenarios?
- What are the potential commercial opportunities beyond government contracts for Micro-X’s checkpoint technology?