IBM and Rapidus Corporation have forged joint development partnership to advance logic scaling technology. Primarily, the partnership has given a boost to Japan’s initiatives to become a global leader in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing.

Rapidus researches, develops, designs, manufactures, and sells advanced logic semiconductors. The endorsement of major Japanese companies led to the creation of Rapidus.

As part of this agreement, Rapidus and IBM will further develop IBM’s breakthrough 2 nanometer (nm) node technology for implementation by Rapidus at its fab in Japan. This work will leverage IBM’s decades of expertise in semiconductor research and design.

Aids in Global Supply Chain

In 2021, IBM announced that it developed the world’s first 2nm node chip, projected to achieve 45 percent better performance or 75 percent more energy efficiency than leading 7nm chips. IBM has a long history of successful joint development partnerships with Japanese semiconductor manufacturers in advanced logic and memory technology. Furthermore, it also forged collaborations with Japanese equipment and material suppliers.

“It is my great pleasure to announce…Rapidus has officially partnered with IBM for the joint development of 2nm node technology,” said Atsuyoshi Koike, President and CEO of Rapidus. “This is a long-desired international collaboration, truly essential for Japan to once again play a vital role in the semiconductor supply chain.”

Meanwhile, Darío Gil, SVP and Director of Research at IBM, said, “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.”

Most importantly, Rapidus scientists and engineers will work alongside IBM Japan and IBM researchers at the Albany NanoTech Complex owned and operated by NY CREATES in Albany, New York. Rapidus is the latest entity to join the Albany NanoTech Complex ecosystem, which includes IBM, Applied Materials, Samsung Electronics, Tokyo Electron, SCREEN, JSR, the State University of New York (SUNY), and others.

Rapidus is planning to deploy differentiated strategies in manufacturing, including automation and efficiency, to ensure speed to market and competitiveness. Particularly, this 2nm technology is likely to become market-leading and will be compatible with industry standard offerings.