Rapidus Speeds Up 2nm Technology Development and Plans Major Production Expansion, Preparing for a Foundry Competition in Japan with TSMC

Rapidus, one of Japan’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, has set ambitious goals for its 2nm chip production, targeting a notable production capacity by 2028.

Ambitious 2nm Production Goals by Rapidus: Aiming for 60, 000 WPM by 2028

The semiconductor landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, driven by soaring demand from industries such as artificial intelligence. Currently, the majority of chip orders are routed to industry giant TSMC, but companies like Rapidus are keen to carve out their niche. Recently reported plans indicate that Rapidus intends to ramp up its 2nm process, aiming for full-scale production by 2028 with a target output of 25, 000 wafers per month (WPM)—an impressive achievement in the industry.

Having invested years into advanced semiconductor technology, Rapidus announced a significant milestone: the availability of Process Development Kits (PDKs) for its customers later this year. This strategic move positions Rapidus to compete in the 2nm arena, leveraging a surge in demand for high-performance chips. By 2027, the firm anticipates achieving a production capacity of 6, 000 WPM, with a notable ambition to quadruple that number the subsequent year.

A colorful semiconductor wafer reflecting rainbow hues on a dark surface.

Details regarding the specifics of Rapidus’ 2nm node, designated as “2HP, ”remain sparse. However, previous reports suggest it will achieve a logic density of 237.31 million transistors per square millimeter, comparable to TSMC’s N2 technology. Notably, Rapidus plans to utilize a distinct single-wafer front-end processing approach, which focuses on refining production processes at a lower scale before rolling out improvements for larger batches. The company’s aspirations are certainly noteworthy, but it will be crucial to see how High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) unfolds.

Interestingly, TSMC has also intensified its expansion plans, recently announcing a transition to 3nm technology at its Kumamoto facility with the construction of a second fab. While this initiative caters to the growing global demand, it underscores the competitive landscape Rapidus faces as it strives to fulfill its own ambitions in 2nm manufacturing.

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