Key Facts
• Government announced public support for companies researching as potential future customers of Rapidus.
• Minister Akazawa emphasized efforts to secure demand and create customers for Rapidus.
• NEDO-selected companies Fujitsu and IBM Japan will research semiconductor design processes for AI applications.
• These companies were chosen due to expected future orders from Rapidus.
• METI approved 631.5 billion yen for Rapidus R&D support in fiscal 2026.
• Rapidus raised 167.6 billion yen from 32 private investors in February.
• Total government support for Rapidus expected to exceed 3 trillion yen by fiscal 2027, targeting mass production start.
Summary
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced public support for companies that could become future customers of Rapidus, a next-generation semiconductor manufacturer aiming for mass production. Fujitsu and IBM Japan, selected by NEDO, will research semiconductor design processes essential for AI applications, anticipating future orders from Rapidus. METI approved 631.5 billion yen in research and development funding for Rapidus in fiscal 2026. Rapidus has also secured 167.6 billion yen from 32 private investors as part of urgent capital raising. Combining planned government approvals, total support for Rapidus is expected to surpass 3 trillion yen by fiscal 2027, the target year for starting mass production. Minister Akazawa highlighted the importance of efforts to secure demand and create customers to support Rapidus’ growth.
