#Japan #Tokyo #Semiconductor #Rapidus #GAA Transistor

Rapidus Achieves Major Milestone in Semiconductor Manufacturing

The landscape of semiconductor manufacturing is witnessing a revolutionary shift as Rapidus Corporation announces that it has officially started prototyping its 2nm gate-all-around (GAA) transistor structure at its cutting-edge IIM-1 foundry. This pivotal development underlines Rapidus' commitment to advancing semiconductor technology, with the company achieving significant milestones that pave the way for mass production in 2027.

A New Era in Manufacturing

The IIM-1 foundry represents a leap forward from traditional semiconductor production methods. Rapidus is fundamentally rethinking the operational framework of semiconductor factories, introducing innovative approaches that prioritize real-time adaptability and optimization. At the heart of this transformation are several groundbreaking techniques, including:

• - Fully Single-Wafer Front-End Processing: Unlike conventional batch processing, the single-wafer method allows for precise adjustments to be made to individual wafers. Successful modifications can be scaled to all subsequent wafers, resulting in enhanced data capture that informs AI models designed to increase production efficiency and yield rates. Rapidus is poised to become a leader in commercializing this fully single-wafer processing under its Rapid and Unified Manufacturing Service (RUMs).

• - Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography: This advanced lithography process is vital for producing 2nm semiconductor structures. Rapidus is the first manufacturer in Japan to implement this cutting-edge EUV technology, significantly enhancing the capabilities for precision semiconductor fabrication. Remarkably, Rapidus successfully completed EUV exposure just three months following the arrival of its state-of-the-art equipment.

These advancements reflect Rapidus' dedication and its swift progress, notably achieving key IIM-1 milestones within a mere three years. From breaking ground in September 2023 to the completion of its clean room in 2024, and the integration of over 200 advanced semiconductor tools by June 2025, the company is clearly on the fast track to innovation.

Prototyping and Future Plans

With the prototyping phase officially launched, Rapidus is not pausing its momentum. The company is concurrently developing a Process Development Kit designed for its 2nm manufacturing process, slated for release to partner companies by the first quarter of 2026. This will facilitate collaborative prototyping opportunities, allowing customers to explore cutting-edge designs and applications of Rapidus’ advanced transistor technologies.

As part of its long-term vision, Rapidus aims to not just lead in semiconductor technology but to also foster collaborative partnerships that spur industry-wide innovations. By 2027, the company anticipates ramping up to mass production, paving the way for the introduction of next-generation applications that utilize its sophisticated 2nm GAA transistors.

About Rapidus Corporation

Founded on August 10, 2022, and headquartered in Tokyo, Rapidus Corporation is focused on developing and manufacturing some of the most advanced logic semiconductors globally. The company strives to create new industries alongside its customers by shortening design cycle times and optimizing wafer processes, ultimately enhancing the interconnectedness of technology in everyday life. Leadership at Rapidus includes Chairman Tetsuro Higashi and President Atsuyoshi Koike, both of whom are dedicated to the mission of improving the quality of life through semiconductor innovations.

With a robust initial capital of ¥7,346 million, Rapidus is poised for growth and impact in an increasingly tech-driven world, continuing to challenge itself in fulfilling the ambitions of its stakeholders, customers, and society.