Key Facts
• July 10, 2025: Rapidus confirmed successful operation of its semiconductor prototype.
• July 18, 2025: CEO Atsuyoshi Koike held a press conference in Chitose, Hokkaido.
• The prototype is part of a plan to mass-produce 2-nanometer semiconductors by 2027.
• Rapidus was established in 2022 with $730 million in funding from eight companies.
• Key investors include Toyota and Sony, with technical support from IBM.
• The semiconductors target AI, autonomous driving, and other advanced applications.
• 2-nanometer technology is not yet commercially available globally.
Summary
Rapidus, a Japanese company aiming to domestically produce next-generation semiconductors, announced the successful operation of its prototype on July 10, 2025. CEO Atsuyoshi Koike described the achievement as groundbreaking during a press conference in Chitose, Hokkaido, on July 18. The company plans to begin mass production of 2-nanometer semiconductors by 2027, a technology not yet commercially available worldwide. Established in 2022 with $730 million in funding from eight major companies, including Toyota and Sony, Rapidus collaborates with IBM for technical expertise. These advanced semiconductors are expected to meet growing demand in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and other cutting-edge fields.
