Rapidus Embarks on Critical Prototyping Phase, Signaling Progress in Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing
Electronics Weekly is pleased to report that Rapidus, the Japanese consortium aiming to revitalize the nation’s semiconductor capabilities, has commenced its crucial prototyping phase. This milestone, reported on July 18, 2025, marks a significant step forward in Rapidus’s ambitious plan to establish domestic advanced logic foundry capabilities.
The commencement of prototyping is a pivotal moment for Rapidus, representing the transition from foundational research and development to tangible production trials. This phase is instrumental in validating the complex processes and technologies required for cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing. It will involve the meticulous fabrication of test chips and circuits, allowing Rapidus to assess the performance, yield, and reliability of their chosen manufacturing processes.
Rapidus has set its sights on developing 2-nanometer (nm) and beyond semiconductor manufacturing technologies, a highly sophisticated and challenging endeavor. The success of this prototyping phase will be directly indicative of their ability to achieve these advanced nodes, which are critical for powering the next generation of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, automotive electronics, and advanced communications.
The company has been strategically building its technological foundation, notably through its collaboration with IBM, a global leader in semiconductor research and development. This partnership is crucial, as it provides Rapidus with access to IBM’s pioneering work in gate-all-around (GAA) transistor architecture, a key enabler for achieving sub-3nm process nodes. The insights and intellectual property gained from this collaboration are expected to be instrumental in the prototyping process.
Furthermore, Rapidus is actively establishing its advanced manufacturing facility in Hokkaido, Japan. The construction and equipping of this site are progressing in parallel with the technological development. The prototyping activities will likely be conducted in specialized labs, potentially within existing research facilities or pilot lines, before the full-scale production at the Hokkaido fab is realized. This staged approach allows for rigorous testing and refinement before committing to mass production.
The successful execution of this prototyping phase is not only vital for Rapidus itself but also holds significant implications for Japan’s broader economic and technological sovereignty. By re-establishing a strong domestic presence in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, Japan aims to reduce its reliance on overseas foundries, enhance supply chain resilience, and foster innovation across a wide range of industries.
While the journey ahead remains challenging, with the complexities of advanced lithography, materials science, and process control requiring immense expertise and investment, the initiation of prototyping by Rapidus is a clear signal of progress and dedication. This development will be closely watched by the global semiconductor industry and governments worldwide, as it represents a concerted effort to reshape the landscape of advanced chip production. Electronics Weekly will continue to provide updates on Rapidus’s journey as they move towards their ambitious goals.
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Electronics Weekly published ‘Rapidus starts prototyping’ at 2025-07-18 05:30. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.