Japan's Rapidus ramps up 2nm chip plans while eyeing factories on the Moon

Rapidus activated its IIM-1 pilot line in mid-2025 and has run test wafers on a 2nm GAA process developed with IBM.

Recent measurements show the 2nm prototypes meet planned electrical targets, and the company targets mass production around 2027.

Rapidus raised about 267.6 billion yen in February, lifting total capital to about 275 billion yen with government and private backing.

CEO Atsuyoshi Koike has discussed a long-term concept of lunar semiconductor fabs, saying they could be feasible in the 2040s if key challenges are solved.