Rapidus and HCLTech have launched a strategic semiconductor engineering collaboration centered on two dedicated development centers in India, a move designed to expand engineering capacity for Japan’s next-generation semiconductor manufacturing ambitions.

The centers, located in Bengaluru and Hubli, will support Rapidus’ semiconductor engineering requirements through a range of capabilities, including mask design, design infrastructure, process design kit development, design technology co-optimization, and layout design.

The announcement marks a significant step in Rapidus’ efforts to build the engineering ecosystem needed to support its advanced logic semiconductor development programs. In addition to technical support, the companies said they will collaborate on developing an engineering talent pipeline from India to support Rapidus’ future workforce requirements in Japan.

Engineering Capacity Becomes Strategic Priority

As semiconductor companies pursue increasingly advanced process technologies, access to specialized engineering expertise has become a critical factor in development timelines and execution.

According to Rapidus, the collaboration is intended to complement its operations in Japan by providing dedicated engineering resources and access to India’s growing semiconductor talent base.

“Building a strong engineering ecosystem is essential as Rapidus advances our mission to establish next-generation semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in Japan,” said Dr. Atsuyoshi Koike, Representative Director and CEO of Rapidus Corporation.

“Through this collaboration with HCLTech, we expect to access India’s growing pool of semiconductor engineering talent and establish dedicated development capabilities that complement our operations in Japan. We look forward to working together to develop the technical expertise and resources needed to support our long-term objectives.”

Japan-India Semiconductor Collaboration

The partnership also highlights growing cooperation between Japan and India in semiconductor technology and engineering development.

HCLTech said its engineering teams will provide semiconductor expertise across multiple design and development disciplines while supporting Rapidus’ broader technology objectives.

“Advanced semiconductors will define the technologies of the next decade,” said C Vijayakumar, CEO and Managing Director of HCLTech.

“This partnership reflects the growing strategic collaboration between Japan and India, bringing together Rapidus’ next-generation semiconductor ambitions with HCLTech’s engineering expertise to accelerate chip adoption, compress time-to-market and lay the foundations for the next era of semiconductor innovation.”

Supporting Long-Term Semiconductor Objectives

While financial terms were not disclosed, the initiative underscores the increasing importance of global engineering networks in semiconductor development.

For Rapidus, the dedicated centers represent additional engineering resources aligned with its long-term objective of developing and manufacturing advanced logic semiconductors. For HCLTech, the engagement expands its role in semiconductor engineering services, a market where demand continues to be driven by increasingly complex chip design and manufacturing requirements.

The collaboration combines Rapidus’ semiconductor development roadmap with HCLTech’s engineering capabilities, creating a framework intended to support future technology development and talent expansion efforts.

27 October 2026