Rapidus joins imec’s Core Partner Program

Tokyo, Japan, April 4, 2023 – Rapidus Corporation (Head Office: 4-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Atsuyoshi Koike), a company involved in the research, development, design, manufacture, and sales of advanced logic semiconductors, announced that it has joined the Core Partner Program of imec (Head Office: Leuven, Belgium), a world leading research institute in the field of nanoelectronics and digital technology, in order to strengthen long-term and sustainable collaboration in advanced semiconductor research.

Imec’s Core Partner Program has existed since 2005, and offers an exclusive, close-knit research and development partnership between the world’s top foundries, IDMs, fabless companies, material suppliers, and equipment suppliers working in the field of (5-nanometer and beyond) IC process technologies. The program builds upon imec’s cutting-edge cleanroom infrastructure, which houses the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing tools. This enables imec’s partners to conduct research on technologies that are well ahead of industrial needs.

Atsuyoshi Koike, Rapidus’ President and CEO stated: “Joining imec’s Core Partner Program is a significant milestone for us. It provides Rapidus with access to imec’s advanced technologies, system solutions, state-of-the-art 300mm pilot line, and extensive partner network. International collaboration will be vital for us to attain our target of mass-producing 2-nanometer technology, and imec is a critical partner in achieving this goal. This agreement represents a decisive point in our endeavor to re-establish Japan’s position in the semiconductor industry.”

“Rapidus is the cornerstone of Japan’s efforts to reclaim a leading position in the worldwide semiconductor ecosystem. Today, we are thrilled to announce that Rapidus has become an official member of imec’s Core Partner Program,” stated Luc Van den hove, CEO of imec. “Through this partnership, we will help Rapidus research and develop the key building blocks necessary for the mass production of state-of-the-art 2-nanometer chip technology.”

During a Belgian economic delegation to Japan in late 2022, imec and Rapidus had already signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC). This agreement was supported by both the Government of Flanders and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and affirmed the partners’ commitment to strengthening the ties between the semiconductor industries in Flanders and Japan.

Through the partnership with imec, Rapidus will work to develop human resources and promote research and development of environmentally friendly, sustainable, and energy-saving semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing technology.

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