Chronological Storyline (42 Milestones)
May 28, 1997 CE
MediaTek founded
MediaTek Inc. is founded in Hsinchu, Taiwan, by former United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) employees, including Ming-Kai Tsai. The company starts as a spin-off from UMC's multimedia chipset division. #tech #semiconductor #Taiwan
Dec 1, 1997 CE
First product: CD-ROM chipset
MediaTek launches its first product, a CD-ROM chipset, which quickly gains market share due to its integration and cost-effectiveness. This establishes the company as a major player in optical disc drive chips. #tech #semiconductor
Jun 1, 1999 CE
DVD-ROM chipset launch
MediaTek introduces its DVD-ROM chipset, capturing a significant portion of the global market. The product's success drives rapid revenue growth for the young company. #tech #semiconductor
Jul 23, 2001 CE
IPO on Taiwan Stock Exchange
MediaTek goes public on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) under the ticker 2454. The IPO raises capital for expanding R&D and entering new markets like mobile phones. #finance #IPO #Taiwan
Jan 1, 2003 CE
Entry into mobile phone chips
MediaTek announces its first mobile phone baseband chipset, targeting the emerging market for low-cost handsets. This move marks a strategic pivot from optical storage to wireless communications. #tech #mobile
Dec 1, 2004 CE
Revenue milestone: US$1 billion
MediaTek reports annual revenue exceeding US$1 billion for the first time, driven by its dominance in DVD and mobile chip markets. This solidifies its position as a top global fabless semiconductor company. #finance #semiconductor
Sep 1, 2005 CE
Turnkey solution for mobile phones
MediaTek introduces a complete turnkey platform (MT6205) for GSM mobile phones, enabling Chinese and Taiwanese OEMs to rapidly produce feature phones. This 'one-stop-shop' approach revolutionizes the industry. #tech #mobile #innovation
May 1, 2007 CE
Becomes world's largest designer of mobile chipset
MediaTek surpasses competitors to become the largest supplier of mobile phone chipsets by volume, shipping over 100 million units annually. The company gains a strong foothold in developing markets. #tech #mobile #milestone
Oct 1, 2008 CE
Acquisition of Ralink Technology
MediaTek acquires Ralink Technology, a Taiwanese wireless LAN chipset maker, for about US$200 million. This adds WiFi and broadband connectivity expertise to MediaTek's portfolio. #acquisition #tech #networking
Mar 1, 2010 CE
First smartphone chipset: MT6573
MediaTek launches its first Android smartphone chipset, the MT6573, featuring a 650MHz ARM11 processor. This marks the company's entry into the smartphone market, targeting low-cost devices. #tech #smartphone #Android
Sep 1, 2011 CE
MT6575: First Cortex-A9 chip
MediaTek introduces the MT6575, its first chipset with a Cortex-A9 CPU, offering improved performance for entry-level smartphones. This helps the company gain traction with Chinese OEMs. #tech #smartphone #chip
May 1, 2012 CE
Acquisition of MStar Semiconductor
MediaTek agrees to acquire MStar Semiconductor, a leading LCD TV chipmaker, in a deal valued at US$3.8 billion. The acquisition strengthens MediaTek's position in the home entertainment market. #acquisition #tech #TV
Dec 1, 2012 CE
First quad-core smartphone chip: MT6589
MediaTek unveils the MT6589, a quad-core Cortex-A7 chipset for budget smartphones, beating rivals to market with a cost-effective multi-core solution. This further cements its leadership in developing markets. #tech #smartphone #chip
Apr 1, 2013 CE
Announces first octa-core chipset
MediaTek announces the MT6592, the world's first true octa-core mobile processor (Cortex-A7). The chip is launched in November 2013 and powers many mid-range smartphones. #tech #smartphone #innovation
Jan 1, 2014 CE
Introduction of the Helio brand
MediaTek launches the Helio brand for its high-end mobile processors, starting with the Helio X10 (MT6795). This marks an effort to move beyond budget chips and compete with Qualcomm in premium devices. #tech #branding #mobile
Jul 1, 2014 CE
Merger with Ralink completed
MediaTek fully integrates Ralink Technology, enhancing its connectivity product lines including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. The combined company boosts its R&D capabilities. #acquisition #integration
Dec 1, 2014 CE
Revenue reaches US$7.2 billion
MediaTek reports record annual revenue of US$7.2 billion, driven by strong demand for smartphone chips in China. The company ranks as the world's fifth-largest fabless semiconductor firm. #finance #semiconductor
May 1, 2015 CE
Helio X20: first tri-cluster CPU
MediaTek releases the Helio X20 with a unique tri-cluster CPU (two Cortex-A72 cores, four Cortex-A53, and four Cortex-A53) to balance performance and power. The chip is used in several mid-range phones. #tech #innovation
Oct 1, 2015 CE
Acquisition of Richtek Technology
MediaTek acquires Richtek Technology, a Taiwanese power management IC designer, for approximately US$1.3 billion. This expands MediaTek's analog and power chip capabilities. #acquisition #analog
Apr 1, 2016 CE
Partnership with Xiaomi
MediaTek becomes a key chip supplier for Xiaomi's Redmi series. The partnership helps MediaTek reach millions of budget smartphone users, especially in India and Southeast Asia. #partnership #smartphone #China
Dec 1, 2016 CE
Launches MT7697 IoT chipset
MediaTek enters the Internet of Things (IoT) market with the MT7697, a low-power chip supporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The move diversifies the company beyond mobile and home entertainment. #tech #IoT
Oct 1, 2017 CE
Becomes top chip supplier for home entertainment
MediaTek's chips power over 60% of the world's digital TVs, set-top boxes, and Blu-ray players, thanks to its acquisition of MStar and continuous innovation. #tech #TV #marketleadership
2017 CE
Helio P23 and P30 mid-range chips
MediaTek launches the Helio P23 and P30 chipsets targeting mid-range devices, featuring improved AI capabilities and dual-camera support. These help regain market share from competitors. #tech #smartphone
Mar 1, 2018 CE
Appoints CEO Dr. Rick Tsai
Dr. Rick Tsai, former CEO of TSMC, is appointed CEO of MediaTek, replacing Ming-Kai Tsai who remains Chairman. This leadership change aims to drive technology advancements and global expansion. #leadership #management
Dec 1, 2018 CE
First 7nm mobile chipset: Helio P90
MediaTek unveils the Helio P90, its first chipset manufactured on a 7nm process, featuring a powerful AI processing unit (APU) for enhanced camera and performance in mid-range devices. #tech #semiconductor #innovation
Nov 26, 2019 CE
Dimensity 5G platform announced
MediaTek announces the Dimensity 1000, its first 5G smartphone chipset, integrated with a 5G modem and 7nm manufacturing. The platform aims to bring 5G to premium and mid-range phones globally. #5G #tech #smartphone
Jan 7, 2020 CE
Dimensity 5G chipset launch at CES
MediaTek showcases its Dimensity 5G platform at CES 2020, including the Dimensity 800 series. The chips quickly adopted by Chinese OEMs like Redmi and OPPO. #5G #CES #tech
May 1, 2020 CE
Acquires Intel's baseband business
MediaTek acquires Intel's baseband chip business, including IP and assets, for US$218 million. The deal strengthens MediaTek's connectivity portfolio for laptops and IoT applications. #acquisition #5G #Intel
Nov 1, 2020 CE
Becomes top smartphone chipset maker by volume
MediaTek surpasses Qualcomm to become the world's largest smartphone chipset vendor in terms of shipments, driven by strong demand for budget and mid-range 4G and 5G chips in China and emerging markets. #milestone #smartphone #market
Jan 1, 2021 CE
Dimensity 1200 flagship announced
MediaTek announces the Dimensity 1200, its flagship 5G chip with a 6nm process, ARM Cortex-A78 cores, and advanced AI and gaming features. It powers high-end devices from Xiaomi, Realme, and Vivo. #tech #5G #flagship
Jul 1, 2021 CE
Launches Genio IoT platform
MediaTek launches the Genio family of IoT chipsets, focusing on smart home, industrial, and AI edge applications. This expands its footprint beyond mobile and TV. #IoT #tech #platform
Nov 1, 2021 CE
Acquires Advantech's silicon division
MediaTek acquires Advantech's silicon division, adding edge computing and industrial IoT solutions to its portfolio. The deal enhances its capabilities in automation and smart manufacturing. #acquisition #IoT #industrial
Jan 1, 2022 CE
Dimensity 9000: first 4nm chip
MediaTek launches the Dimensity 9000, its first chipset built on TSMC's 4nm process, featuring Cortex-X2 cores and a Mali-G710 GPU. The chip competes with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in flagship smartphones. #tech #4nm #flagship
May 1, 2022 CE
Revenue hits record US$18.7 billion
MediaTek reports record annual revenue of US$18.7 billion for 2021, fueled by strong global demand for 5G, IoT, and automotive chips. The company ranks as the world's fourth-largest fabless IC designer. #finance #record #semiconductor
Dec 1, 2022 CE
Launches Dimensity 8200
MediaTek releases the Dimensity 8200, a mid-range 5G chipset with a 4nm process, focusing on gaming and camera performance. It extends the Dimensity family to a broader price segment. #tech #5G #chip
Feb 1, 2023 CE
Penghu (Penghu) chipset for premium TVs
MediaTek unveils the Pentonic 2000, its flagship TV chipset, supporting 8K resolution, HDMI 2.1, and advanced AI processing. It is adopted by Sony, Samsung, and other TV makers. #tech #TV #8K
May 1, 2023 CE
Dimensity 9300: all big core CPU
MediaTek announces the Dimensity 9300, a flagship chip with an all-big-core CPU design (four Cortex-X4 and four Cortex-A720), delivering significant performance improvements and energy efficiency. #tech #innovation #flagship
Nov 1, 2023 CE
Partners with NVIDIA for automotive
MediaTek announces a partnership with NVIDIA to develop a new platform for software-defined vehicles, integrating MediaTek's SoCs with NVIDIA's GPU and AI technologies. #partnership #automotive #AI
Jan 9, 2024 CE
Dimensity Auto at CES 2024
MediaTek showcases its Dimensity Auto platform at CES 2024, a comprehensive solution for connected and autonomous vehicles, including smart cockpit and ADAS systems. #CES #automotive #tech
May 1, 2024 CE
Launches Kompanio 500 for Chromebooks
MediaTek introduces the Kompanio 500 series chips for budget Chromebooks, targeting the education market with improved performance and battery life. The chips are adopted by Lenovo and HP. #tech #Chromebook #education
Oct 1, 2024 CE
Dimensity 9400 with ray tracing
MediaTek announces the Dimensity 9400, its first mobile chipset with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enhancing gaming graphics. The chip is built on TSMC's 3nm process, marking a leap in mobile gaming performance. #tech #gaming #3nm
2025 CE
MediaTek surpasses US$20 billion revenue
MediaTek achieves annual revenue exceeding US$20 billion for the first time, driven by diversification into automotive, IoT, and AI edge computing, alongside strong mobile chip sales. #finance #milestone #semiconductor