Rapidus in talks with more than 60 potential clients, CEO says
TL;DR
Rapidus is negotiating with over 60 potential clients, including major U.S. tech firms, to mass-produce advanced 2nm chips by 2027, aiming to compete with TSMC and Intel. Prototype production has started, with mass production targeted for late 2026 or early 2027, though no formal contracts have been finalized yet.
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Rapidus in talks with more than 60 potential clients, CEO says
Rapidus Engages Over 60 Potential Clients in Pursuit of Advanced Chip Production
Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Rapidus is in active discussions with more than 60 potential clients, including major U.S. technology firms, to develop and mass-produce advanced 2nm chips by 2027, according to reports citing CEO Atsuyoshi Koike. The company, which aims to challenge industry leaders like TSMC and Intel, has initiated prototype production at its Hokkaido facility, with a fully operational line expected within the month according to Reuters.
Koike confirmed ongoing negotiations with companies such as Apple (AAPL.O), Google (GOOGL.O), Meta (META.O), Amazon (AMZN.O), and Microsoft (MSFT.O), though no specific agreements have been finalized according to Reuters. Additionally, IBM and Tenstorrent, a semiconductor design firm, are highlighted as key partners in prototype development, with potential contracts under review as reported by WCCF Tech. The CEO emphasized that customer product prototypes using Rapidus’ 2nm process could begin as early as 2026 according to WCCF Tech.
Rapidus’ 2nm node, dubbed “2HP,” is positioned to compete with TSMC’s N2 and Intel’s 18A processes, offering improved logic density as WCCF Tech reports. The company plans to deliver process design kits (PDKs) to clients by Q1 2026, with mass production targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 according to WCCF Tech. This timeline suggests Rapidus could outpace TSMC and Intel in 2nm commercialization, though technical and financial hurdles remain unaddressed in public statements.
The firm’s strategic partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Quest Global to advance 2nm solutions as announced by TechPowerUp, underscore its ambition to secure a foothold in the global semiconductor market. With U.S. tech giants increasingly diversifying supply chains, Rapidus’ progress could reshape competitive dynamics in advanced chip manufacturing.
As of February 2026, no formal contracts have been disclosed, and further updates will depend on the outcomes of ongoing negotiations and technical milestones. Investors are advised to monitor developments in Japan’s semiconductor sector, where geopolitical and economic factors may influence long-term outcomes.
