Targeting the global continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) market, microcontroller IC design house Holtek has unveiled its latest CGM application integrated with edge AI computing to capture healthcare opportunities.
Amid ongoing US-China trade tensions and intense competition within China, Holtek president Jung-Tsung Tsai expects pricing pressures to impact his company's profit margins. But he remains confident that if US-China talks produce favorable results and post-war reconstruction demand emerges in Ukraine, market needs will expand, enabling the company to meet its performance targets and achieve double-digit revenue growth for 2025.
At a product launch event on October 16, Tsai discussed the economic outlook for 2025, noting that the fourth-quarter conditions appear moderate, but he emphasized vigilance over the US-China rivalry. He said successful negotiations between the two powers could stimulate global end-market demand.
Due to US tariffs, Holtek has seen order lead times shortened in 2025. There was strong pull-in demand in the first half of the year, with customers taking delivery of shipments in the second quarter for orders that would have been usually placed in the third quarter. The fourth quarter is expected to see mostly short lead-time orders. September revenue reached NT$243 million (approx. US$7.93 million), up 2.93% year-over-year, while cumulative revenue from January through September rose 31.27% year-over-year to NT$2.38 billion.
Facing severe competition in the Chinese market, which accounts for about 70% of Holtek's sales, Tsai described the Chinese economy as lukewarm, with continued real estate weakness dampening demand for products like fire safety equipment. Although order volumes remain stable, price erosion has pressured both revenue and profits. Overall, Holtek expects it will meet its 2025 goals with double-digit revenue growth.
Additionally, reconstruction efforts following the Russia-Ukraine conflict are expected to drive consumer goods demand. If a ceasefire occurs, Ukraine's rebuilding needs could generate significant business opportunities.
Holtek's 2025 product focus is the integration of edge AI computing into its offerings, such as 2D IR gesture recognition, card-type blood pressure monitors, next-generation CGM devices, and body composition analyzers. Tsai expressed optimism about the growth potential of edge computing applications, citing the global population of over 100 million requiring glucose monitoring. He forecasts explosive shipment growth once customers receive certifications and begin sales, with demand surpassing even that of the drone market.
In green energy, Holtek introduced solutions including energy storage inverter systems, brushless DC motors (BLDC), battery management systems (BMS), and power management solutions. Tsai noted that their BLDC hairdryer development platform meets client demands for compactness, quiet operation, and high-speed performance. The company has sold approximately 76 million BLDC-related units across diverse sectors such as smart appliances, handheld power tools, low-carbon electric vehicles (EV), personal care, IT/communications cooling, and industrial pumps.
Holtek said its highly integrated, cost-effective BLDC standard microcontrollers (MCUs) and SoC MCUs cover applications from high-voltage devices like BLDC hairdryers and range hoods to mid-power fans and pumps, extending to ultra-integrated all-in-one architectures for low-voltage small fans and pumps.
Moreover, Holtek has deep expertise in BMS, supporting products like two-wheeler EV chargers, cordless vacuum cleaners, and power tools, with shipments nearing 90 million units.
Article translated by Rodney Chan and edited by Jack Wu
