Rapidus enters final stages of 2nm semiconductor mass production preparation

Rapidus, Japan's state-backed semiconductor project, is entering the final stages of preparation to mass-produce 2-nanometer chips by 2027. CEO Atsuyoshi Koike stated that the company is currently increasing the level of its prototyping to ensure a smooth transition to mass production. Rapidus aims to remain competitive in pricing against industry leaders like TSMC.

To support the expansion of advanced semiconductor manufacturing in Japan, the Dutch equipment manufacturer ASML plans to increase its Japanese workforce from approximately 500 to 700 employees by 2030. This expansion is intended to provide stronger support for the maintenance and setup of Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, which are essential for producing advanced chips.

While the Japanese government has provided significant research and development support, totaling approximately 2.4 trillion yen, the project faces the challenge of successfully moving from prototyping to stable, large-scale commercial production amidst shifting global geopolitics.