Rapidus is entering a competitive sector, currently dominated by established players like TSMC and Samsung Electronics.
Rapidus, a Japanese chip foundry venture, is set to expand its presence in the global semiconductor market by opening a sales office in the United States within the current financial year. The company, steered by experienced chip industry executives, is aiming to produce cutting-edge semiconductor chips through strategic partnerships with IBM and Imec, a renowned research organization based in Belgium.
The venture marked a significant milestone in September by commencing construction of its manufacturing plant in Chitose, a city in northern Japan. Rapidus is among several domestic and international chipmakers that are benefiting from government subsidies aimed at bolstering chip manufacturing capacity.
This expansion comes at a time when countries worldwide are intensifying efforts to secure and control their semiconductor supply chains. These efforts have been largely driven by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and China.
The CEO of Imec recently commented on the challenges facing Rapidus, acknowledging the venture’s ambitious objectives while expressing optimism about its future prospects. This development indicates a growing interest and investment in semiconductor technology across different regions, highlighting its strategic importance in the global economy.
Rapidus is entering a competitive sector, currently dominated by established players like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and South Korea’s Samsung Electronics. These companies have invested years in developing and refining their chip manufacturing capabilities.