Rapidus, a Japanese private-sector semiconductor foundry, aims to mass-produce 2-nanometer (nm) chips in the second half of fiscal year 2027. 

According to Rapidus, it is currently in talks with more than 60 companies and has already provided quotations to about 10 companies.

According to Japanese media reports, regarding customer development, Rapidus President Atsuyoshi Koike stated at a press conference on February 27th, "We are currently in talks with more than 60 companies, primarily overseas, and have already provided quotes to about 10 of them."

According to Japanese media reports, regarding customer development, Rapidus President Atsuyoshi Koike stated at a press conference on February 27th, "We are currently in talks with more than 60 companies, primarily overseas, and have already provided quotes to about 10 of them."

Rapidus's goals for 2027

Rapidus aims to mass-produce 2-nanometer chips at its factory in Chitose, Hokkaido, in the second half of fiscal year 2027. Atsuyoshi Koike stated that if mass production proceeds smoothly, "it is expected to contribute 10-20 trillion yen to Japan's GDP cumulatively within 10 years."

On February 27th, Rapidus announced that it had raised approximately 267.6 billion yen from the Japanese government and private companies, with the Japanese government investing 100 billion yen to become Rapidus's largest shareholder.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the 100 billion yen investment will give it approximately 40% of the shares, but 11.5% will be voting shares that limit government intervention and allow Rapidus to make rapid management decisions. The remaining shares are non-voting shares, which can be converted into voting shares in the event of a significant deterioration in the company's performance. The government will also receive one "golden share" that can veto important management decisions to prevent technology leakage.

The government plans to invest another 150 billion yen in fiscal year 2026. The shares acquired through investment can be converted into voting shares, thereby granting the holder up to 60% of the voting rights.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosuke Akazawa stated at a press conference following a cabinet meeting: "This is a core component of the government's growth investment initiative, a national-level project that must be successful for the national interest." Funding is provided by the Information Processing Promotion Agency (IPA), an independent administrative agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

About Rapidus's history

Rapidus received a total of 7.3 billion yen in investment from eight companies, including Sony Group and SoftBank, at its inception. The company plans to begin mass production in the second half of 2027.

According to Rapidus's "Business Plan" submitted to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Rapidus will begin mass production of 2-nanometer chips in the second half of 2027, and subsequently plans to mass produce 1.4-nanometer chips. The cumulative investment will balloon to over 7 trillion yen, with the goal of achieving profitability around 2030 and an IPO around 2031.

According to reports by Nikkei and Yomiuri Shimbun on November 25, 2025, Rapidus will begin construction of its second factory in Chitose, Hokkaido in 2027, and will begin producing the world's most advanced 1.4-nanometer chips in 2029, aiming to catch up with TSMC (2330). Rapidus's first factory in Chitose aims to begin mass production of 2-nanometer chips in the second half of 2027, while the new factory (Chitose Factory 2) is also considering producing 1-nanometer products in addition to 1.4-nanometer chips.

Source: moneyDJ

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