TheTechno Optimist.

IIM-1 Pilot FabRapidus—Rapidus raises ¥267.6 billion (~$1.8B) in government funding for mass-production fab

Rapidus

Japan 2nm foundry, semiconductor, IBM partnership

JP$3B privateest. 2022rapidus.jp (opens rapidus.jp)Checked 10 Oct

The brief

Analyst view
  • Rapidus is backed by METI, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and partners with IBM on advanced process technology.
  • Its IIM-1 pilot fab in Chitose, Hokkaido operates a 2nm production line and is ramping to pilot volumes.
  • Rapidus raised ¥267.6 billion (~$1.8B) in February 2026 to fund mass-production fab construction.

Technical approach

As reported
IBM partnership

Process technology from IBM

Rapidus licenses and adapts IBM's advanced process technology to build 2nm and future nodes, accelerating time to market.

Pilot line

IIM-1 pilot production

The Chitose fab (IIM-1) tests processes and ramps early volumes before committing to full mass-production fabs.

State backing

Government support

METI and government funding provide capital and strategic support for Japan's foundry industry.

Primer