Japan’s Rapidus to Launch Pilot Production of 2nm Chips by End of April

Rapidus, founded in 2022 by a Japanese industrial conglomerate, said it had begun setting up equipment at its pilot line in Hokkaido, which will allow it to begin pilot production of its first 2nm components by the end of the month, with plans to ramp up to serial production by 2027.

Image source: Rapidus

Let us recall that earlier Rapidus received from ASML the first copy of an advanced lithographic system by Japanese standards, which will be used on the experimental line. The main source of funding for Rapidus’ activities has so far been government subsidies, which could reach a record sum of $11.5 billion for the Japanese industry if the country’s authorities allocate another tranche to support the company.

«It was very difficult to develop the 2nm technology and know-how for mass production, Rapidus CEO Atsuyoshi Koike, 72, said at a press conference, adding, “We will take it step by step to reduce the error rate and win the trust of consumers.” He said there was still a lot of experimentation to be done before the company could mass produce 2nm products.

Today, Rapidus has made its first digital design exposure on a silicon wafer using EUV lithography, and the first batch of test chips is expected to be ready by July. The company is set to raise at least $670 million from private companies for its development, but investors are not rushing to invest in a young manufacturer with ambitious goals. Until recently, the most advanced technology used to produce chips in Japan was 40 nm, and therefore local companies faced a difficult challenge of reducing the gap with Japanese, Korean, American and European competitors. Having mastered advanced lithography, Rapidus hopes to find its market niche by providing services for the rapid production of small batches of chips. According to its director, Rapidus has already taken all the necessary preparatory steps to start the operation of the pilot line.