Under the partnership, both firms will advance the development of IBM's 2 nanometer (nm) node technology to be deployed at Rapidus’ semiconductor fab in Japan
Japan's Rapidus and IBM collaborate to develop semiconductor technology in Japan. (Credit: IBM)
Japan’s Rapidus and IBM have announced a joint development partnership to advance semiconductor technology and develop the semiconductor ecosystem in Japan.
Rapidus is a newly-formed semiconductor company backed by the Japanese government. In November this year, the Japanese government was reported to invest up to JPY70bn ($500m) in the chip manufacturing company.
Under the partnership, both firms will advance the development of IBM’s 2 nanometer (nm) node technology to be deployed at Rapidus’ semiconductor fab in Japan.
The 2 nm technology is expected to be in compliance with industry-standard offerings.
IBM senior vice president and research director Darío Gil said: “IBM is honoured to be partnering with Rapidus on developing the next generation of semiconductor technologies and helping to position Japan as a leader in one of the world’s most strategic technology areas.
“This collaboration is critical to ensure a geographically balanced global supply chain of advanced semiconductors, built through a vibrant ecosystem of like-minded companies and nations.”
As part of the collaboration, the newly formed semiconductor manufacturing firm is said to work alongside IBM Japan and IBM researchers at the Albany NanoTech complex, which is owned and run by NY CREATES in New York.
The other companies present in the Albany NanoTech complex ecosystem are IBM, Tokyo Electron, SCREEN, Samsung Electronics, Applied Materials, JSR, the State University of New York (SUNY), and others.
Rapidus intends to implement distinct manufacturing strategies, including automation and efficiency, to enhance speed to market and competitiveness.
The Japanese company anticipates commencing mass production of its 2nm technology in the latter half of the 2020s.
Rapidus president and CEO Atsuyoshi Koike said: “It is my great pleasure to announce today that Rapidus has officially partnered with IBM for the joint development of 2 nm node technology.
“This is a long-desired international collaboration, truly essential for Japan to once again play a vital role in the semiconductor supply chain.
“I am fully confident that this collaboration will pave the way for our goal of contribution to the well-being of humanity through advanced logic semiconductors produced with technologies jointly developed with IBM.”