HITIQ Limited (ASX: HIQ) has launched its PROTEQT™ North American market strategy through the appointment of experienced hockey executive Rick Shultz as exclusive distributor for Canada, with non-exclusive rights for the United States. The partnership provides immediate access to Canada’s 607,000+ registered hockey players, leveraging Rick’s extensive network from grassroots to elite levels and launching with a founding order and elite-level pilot programme. Under a dual-channel model, PROTEQT™ will be available both institutionally (via teams, leagues and associations) and directly to consumers, bringing advanced concussion management technology to programmes, players and families across the Canadian hockey ecosystem.

The distribution agreement is structured to generate sustainable, long-term revenue growth and positions HITIQ to scale production to up to 100,000 PROTEQT™ units in 2026 to support North American expansion. Built on HITIQ’s validated Nexus technology, PROTEQT™ is well placed to meet growing demand for objective concussion monitoring in contact sports, particularly in markets with strong safety cultures such as Canadian hockey. This partnership establishes HITIQ’s operational beachhead in North America, creates a reference market for future collegiate and professional opportunities, and marks a significant milestone in the company’s global growth strategy.