Japan's Rapidus touts 2-nm milestone in race to catch TSMC, Samsung

But chip startup provides few details on quality or commercial prospects

Rapidus, Japan's government-backed startup, says on July 18 that it has successfully produced the first 2-nm transistor in Japan. (Photo by Rapidus)

RYOHTAROH SATOH

July 18, 2025 14:57 JST

CHITOSE, Japan -- Rapidus, Japan's $34 billion project to restore the country's advanced chip-making capabilities, announced its first major update regarding test production of 2-nanometer chips on Friday, though details on the quality of the product and the startup's progress in attracting customers remained scarce.

The government-backed startup said it has successfully produced the first 2-nm transistor in Japan and collected data to further refine the chipmaking process.