Novatek Microelectronics recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new "Tainan R&D Center Building" at the Tainan Science Park, as reported by Commercial Daily News on November 27. The company announced an investment of over NT$2 billion (USD 62.5 million) to construct a cutting-edge, energy-efficient R&D center. Scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027, the center is expected to create 1,000 R&D jobs and generate an estimated annual output value of NT$30 billion (USD 937.5 million).
Additionally, Novatek is set to launch its first OLED touch sensors with display driver integration (TDDI) chips, which are scheduled for mass production in the second quarter of 2025. These cutting-edge chips are expected to be adopted by Apple's next-generation iPhone series while also addressing the rising demand for AI-enabled smartphones, notebook PCs, and desktop PCs, poised to drive Novatek's revenue growth in the coming year.
The global AI PC market is set for significant growth with the arrival of next-generation AI processors and ARM-based architecture in 2025. According to MIC forecasts, AI PC penetration is projected to reach 16.8% by 2025, with shipments estimated at 44 million units. Similarly, the AI smartphone market is on a rapid upward trajectory. Penetration is expected to hit 13% in 2024, with shipments reaching 156 million units, and grow to 25% by 2025, totaling 303 million units. By 2026, AI smartphones are anticipated to expand into mid- and entry-level segments, with global penetration surpassing 60% by 2028, MIC reports.