Joint venture with NextLevel Assistive Technology
| Stock | Control Bionics Ltd (CBL.ASX) |
|---|---|
| Release Time | 26 Feb 2026, 8:24 a.m. |
| Price Sensitive | Yes |
Control Bionics enters joint venture with NextLevel Assistive Technology
- Exclusive agreement to manufacture, distribute and sell iOS-based speech generating devices in the US
- Control Bionics to act as FDA Manufacturer and distributor through established partner channels
- NextLevel to fund all device tooling and manufacturing
Control Bionics Limited (ASX: CBL) has announced that its US subsidiary, Control Bionics Inc. (CBI), has entered into an exclusive manufacturing, distribution and intellectual property licence agreement with NextLevel Assistive Technology to jointly commercialize a new range of iOS-based speech generating devices (SGDs) in the United States. The partnership will enable Control Bionics to expand its presence in the large and growing US Augmentative and Assistive (AAC) market through a capital-light, distributor led model aligned with the Company's existing strategy. Under the agreement, NextLevel will design and manufacture the device chassis and components, while Control Bionics will perform final assembly, regulatory compliance and distribution. The devices will be marketed under the UnoTouch Omni and Active product lines. The United States is the largest global AAC market, with an estimated 2.5-3.5 million individuals with complex communication needs requiring speech-generating solutions. Within AAC, there has been a structural shift toward tablet-based SGDs, particularly iOS-based devices. Control Bionics is currently in advanced negotiations with multiple US distributors under non-binding Letters of Intent, which contemplate potential annual volumes in the range of approximately 1,000 - 1,500 iOS devices, subject to execution of definitive agreements, regulatory and reimbursement processes, and market rollout.
There is no high-importance, price-sensitive forward-looking financial information provided in the announcement.
The partnership expands Control Bionics' addressable AAC segment through its established US distributor network while maintaining focus on neural interface innovation. The agreement is revenue, profit and cashflow accretive for Control Bionics.