Rapidus plans to offer design assistance alongside its contract manufacturing services for 2nm chips. The company aims to support up to 17 partners, including international firms, to broaden its customer base. Toshiba's semiconductor divisions are among the potential clients currently being considered for this collaboration.
The company targets the start of mass production for 2nm chips in the second half of the 2027 fiscal year, ending in March 2028. By achieving this, Rapidus intends to establish itself as the first domestic provider of advanced contract semiconductor manufacturing in Japan.
Founded in 2022 by a consortium of Japanese industrial firms, Rapidus operates with significant government backing. Authorities in Japan have pledged up to $19 billion in subsidies to accelerate the development of the national semiconductor industry.
Beyond its terrestrial operations, the company has announced long-term ambitions regarding space infrastructure. CEO Atsuyoshi Koike stated that Rapidus is exploring the possibility of constructing a semiconductor manufacturing facility on the Moon by approximately 2040.
