Paul van Gerven
5 April 2023

Rapidus, the newly founded Japanese chip manufacturer, has joined Imec’s Core Partner Program for advanced CMOS development. “Joining Imec’s Core Partner Program is a significant milestone for us. It provides Rapidus with access to Imec’s advanced technologies, system solutions, state-of-the-art 300mm pilot line and extensive partner network. International collaboration will be vital for us to attain our target of mass-producing 2-nanometer technology,” says Rapidus CEO Atsuyoshi Koike.

Imec Rapidus
Imec CEO Luc Van den hove (left) and Rapidus CEO Atsuyoshi Koike during the signing ceremony at Imec’s headquarters in Leuven. Credit: Imec

Backed by major Japanese high-tech companies including Sony, NEC and Toyota, Rapidus was founded last year to allow Japan to catch up in leading-edge chip manufacturing. The foundry endeavors to have a prototype 2nm production line ready by 2025 and move to full-swing production by the end of the decade. Koike previously estimated the project will require a total investment of roughly 33 billion euros.