Race among foundries intensifies as Rapidus from Japan announces that 2-nanometer chip technology is on schedule for release in 2027
In the fiercely competitive world of semiconductor manufacturing, a new player is emerging on the horizon. Rapidus, a Japanese foundry upstart established in 2022, is steadily moving towards volume production of its 2nm process technology, aiming to offer a competitive alternative to the current dominance of TSMC and Samsung in the foundry segment.
Rapidus' timeline includes several significant milestones. The company is preparing to release its first Process Development Kit (PDK) in the first quarter of 2026, enabling customers to start prototyping their designs. This crucial step paves the way for mass production, which Rapidus is targeting for 2027.
The foundational technology for Rapidus' 2nm process node was licensed from IBM, and the company has already begun test production of 2nm circuits. To support this ambitious roadmap, Rapidus is focusing on providing the necessary infrastructure for customer chip design prototyping at its IIM-1 site.
As part of its preparations, Rapidus has installed over 200 pieces of semiconductor equipment at its IIM-1 plant and successfully trialled ASML's extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment to etch the wafers in April. The company has also moved into the prototyping for its 2nm gate-all-around (GAA) transistor structure at its IIM-1 plant in Chitose City, Hokkaido.
Before volume production can begin, Rapidus needs to finalize a process development kit (PDK) for its customers. The PDK includes design files, documentation, and tools essential for customers to design chips for production at Rapidus facilities. The company aims to have its first PDK available in Q1 2026.
Meanwhile, other industry giants are also making strides in the 2nm process technology. TSMC and Samsung are slated to ramp production of 2nm silicon this year, while Intel plans to reduce its staff by 5,000 and is expected to ship its first internal chips based on its 2nm-class silicon this fall.
In an effort to maintain their lead, major foundries like TSMC are also leveraging AI to drive down defect rates in semiconductor design. Rapidus, too, may find AI a valuable tool in its quest to challenge the established players and carve out a significant space in the semiconductor industry.
- Rapidus, aiming to offer a competitive alternative in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, is planning to utilize AI to drive down defect rates in semiconductor design, similar to how major foundries like TSMC are currently doing.
- In the finance sector, Rapidus' ambitious roadmap, which includes the release of its first Process Development Kit (PDK) in Q1 2026 and targeting mass production for 2027, requires substantial investment in infrastructure for customer chip design prototyping.
- As Rapidus prepares to enter the highly competitive market of gadgets and technology, it has already begun test production of 2nm circuits, using the foundational technology it licensed from IBM, and is working on prototyping its 2nm gate-all-around (GAA) transistor structure.
