IBM has opened a new office in Chitose, Japan, strengthening its partnership with semiconductor manufacturer Rapidus as the country works toward domestic production of advanced 2nm processors.
The office is located in Hokkaido, where Rapidus is developing its semiconductor manufacturing facility. IBM announced the expansion on October 26, 2026, confirming plans to increase support for semiconductor customers, including Rapidus.
The development comes as Japan seeks to establish a competitive advanced chip manufacturing industry and reduce its dependence on overseas production.
Rapidus is targeting mass production of 2nm chips in the second half of 2027, although achieving that schedule will depend on manufacturing progress.
IBM Expands Support for Rapidus Semiconductor Manufacturing
IBM and Rapidus established their technology partnership in 2022 to develop advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Their collaboration includes transferring IBM's 2nm research expertise and supporting Rapidus in preparing the technology for commercial production.
Engineers from both companies have worked together at IBM's semiconductor research facilities in New York.
The new Chitose office brings IBM closer to Rapidus's manufacturing operations, potentially improving coordination during development and production preparations.
Rapidus previously established its own office in Chitose in 2024.
IBM's expansion also supports the development of a local semiconductor ecosystem involving suppliers, engineers, and manufacturing specialists.
Rapidus Plans to Manufacture 2nm Chips Using Nanosheet Transistors
The partnership focuses on nanosheet transistor technology, which represents an advancement over traditional FinFET designs.
Nanosheet transistors provide greater control over electrical current, potentially improving processor performance and energy efficiency.
IBM first demonstrated its 2nm semiconductor technology in 2021.
At the time, the company claimed the process could deliver up to 45% higher performance or 75% lower power consumption compared with 7nm technology, depending on the operating configuration.
However, those figures represent technology projections rather than independently verified performance results from commercially manufactured Rapidus chips.
Japan Targets Domestic 2nm Mass Production in 2027
Rapidus has previously outlined plans to begin commercial 2nm manufacturing during the second half of 2027.
Achieving this objective would place the company among a small group of semiconductor manufacturers capable of producing advanced logic chips.
However, moving from research and pilot production to high volume manufacturing requires improvements in yields, equipment reliability, and production efficiency.
IBM's new office could support those efforts by strengthening technical cooperation and local engineering assistance.
The expansion demonstrates continued investment in Japan's semiconductor ambitions, although Rapidus has yet to demonstrate sustained commercial production at the targeted scale.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.