Construction of the Rapidus 2 nanometer plant started in September, and the builder is the same as TSMC’s Kumamoto plant

The goal is to localize next-generation semiconductors (chips), and the 2-nanometer (nm) chip factory of Rapidus, a semiconductor R&D/manufacturing/sales company established by Japanese government-private cooperation, will start construction in September this year. at TSMC’s Kumamoto factory.

Rapidus announced on the 25th that regarding the company’s plan to build a 2nm wafer factory in Chitose, Hokkaido, the Japanese government has indicated that it will provide subsidies, so it will start the necessary preparations for the construction of the factory, such as administrative procedures and geological surveys.

Rapidus pointed out that it has dispatched its researchers to one of the world’s most advanced semiconductor research centers in April, the “Albany NanoTech Complex” in Albany, New York, to cooperate with IBM to develop 2nm node technology, The goal is to become a foundry for advanced logic chips.

The Japanese construction company Kashima announced on the 25th that Kashima was selected as the construction contractor for its “IIM1 (1st factory building)” in Rapidus’ plan to build the most advanced chip factory in Chitose, Hokkaido. “IIM1” is located near New Chitose The airport’s industrial zone “Chitose Beauty World” will start construction in September 2023 and is expected to be completed in January 2025.

Kashima pointed out that Rapidus aims to mass-produce 2-nanometer chips that are indispensable for next-generation industries such as autonomous driving and artificial intelligence (AI). In the future, the company will do its best to assist Rapidus to achieve the above goals.

Japanese media pointed out that Kashima is also the builder of TSMC’s Kumamoto factory and is highly regarded in the industry. TSMC’s Kumamoto plant currently plans to produce 22/28nm and 12/16nm process chips, with a monthly production capacity of 55,000 pieces.

Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura officially announced at a press conference held after the cabinet meeting on the 25th that he will subsidize 260 billion yen in subsidies for the 2-nanometer wafer factory that Rapidus plans to build in Chitose, Hokkaido. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has previously decided to provide Rapidus with a subsidy of 70 billion yen as its research and development budget. With the addition of the above-mentioned 260 billion yen, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s subsidy for Rapidus will reach about 330 billion yen.

Regarding whether additional assistance will be provided to Rapidus in the future, Yasutoshi Nishimura pointed out that “we will pay attention to various developments and provide necessary assistance in the future.”

Junyoshi Koike, president of Rapidus, said in an interview with Japanese media on February 28 that the investment in the Chitose factory in Hokkaido will reach about 5 trillion yen.