Japanese chipmaker Rapidus is partnering with 17 companies, including US-based Synopsys, to help customers design chips; Rapidus has $15B+ in state funding

Rapidus now offers a direct pathway for customers to co-design advanced semiconductors for their facilities.

Japanese chipmaker Rapidus has launched its Collaborative Open Rapid Ecosystem (CORE) initiative, designed to bolster semiconductor design and manufacturing capabilities. As a foundational element, the CORE initiative includes a Design Solution Associates project, which will act as a liaison between Rapidus and its clients. This project comprises 17 partner companies, including U.S.-based Synopsys, along with Cadence, Infosys, Toshiba Information Systems, and Wipro. Rapidus, established with over $15 billion in state funding and backed by entities like SoftBank, Sony, and NTT, aims to provide a reliable infrastructure for chip development and production. The company plans to advance its offerings in future phases by incorporating electronic design automation and intellectual property support. Rapidus is targeting the production of 2nm chips by 2027, with testing of its first production line already underway in Hokkaido, Japan.

The establishment of CORE and its Design Solution Associates initiative signals a strategic move by Rapidus to de-risk its ambitious sub-2nm chip manufacturing goals by leveraging external expertise and resources. This ecosystem approach is crucial for a company aiming to compete on a global scale with significant state backing, as it allows for shared development costs and accelerated market entry.

This partnership model directly impacts companies seeking access to cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing, providing them with integrated design and production support without requiring them to build their own fabrication facilities. It also positions Rapidus as a more accessible partner for international firms looking to leverage advanced Japanese manufacturing capabilities, potentially influencing global semiconductor supply chains and R&D investment.