04/07/2023 (Japan) - IBM prioritized supporting Japan's chipmaking startup Rapidus Corp, recognizing its importance in securing long-term global supply. Rapidus, backed by major Japanese electronics firms, aimed to fabricate 2-nanometer chips at scale by the latter half of the decade. IBM Japan's chief technology officer, Norishige Morimoto, emphasized their dedication to Rapidus, even redirecting resources from other research. They viewed Rapidus' success as crucial for stable chip supply.
Rapidus, a quasi-public project, was launched last year to enhance Japan's chipmaking capacity amid geopolitical tensions. Led by industry veterans, Rapidus aimed to catch up with industry leader TSMC, creating a world-class chipmaking foundry. Investments from companies like Toyota, Sony, and NTT supported their growth. Rapidus collaborated with IBM and Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre to design mass production lines while constructing their factory in Hokkaido.
With an expected investment of ¥5 trillion (US$34.52 billion), Rapidus aimed to match the annual outlay of TSMC and Samsung. IBM expressed willingness to help Rapidus secure deals with major chip firms, seeking mutually beneficial partnerships. Rapidus was seen as a valuable addition to the chip manufacturing landscape, offering a third option to meet the increasing demand.
The semiconductor industry projected continued growth driven by post-COVID-19 recovery and the demand for memory and computing power in the AI era. Global revenue was expected to double to US$1 trillion by 2030. Samsung and TSMC currently dominated advanced chip production, leading to interest worldwide in diversifying sources. Rapidus was well-positioned to address the industry's struggles in meeting demand.
TSMC chairman Mark Liu didn't perceive Rapidus as a competitor, as their focus lay in fostering engineering talent rather than direct competition. IBM's support for both Rapidus and Samsung's foundry division highlighted potential collaborations. By acknowledging the need for multiple players in providing the latest chips, IBM emphasized the welcoming stance of industry leaders toward Rapidus' entry.
In summary, IBM prioritized assisting Japan's chipmaking startup Rapidus Corp, recognizing its significance in securing long-term global chip supply. Rapidus aimed to fabricate advanced chips and catch up with industry leaders. IBM and other investors supported Rapidus' growth, while the industry welcomed its entry to meet the rising chip demand.