Rapidus: Contacting 30-40 companies and not competing with Taiwan Electric

Rapidus, a crystal foundry manufacturer established by Japanese officials and civilians, aims to produce 2 nanometer (nm) chips in 2027, while the Rapidus trial line will only take three months to display 2 nanometer trial products in July. Rapidus president Junyi Koike accepted an interview with Japanese media and said that potential customers are not very fond of Rapidus' speed, and are currently in talks with 30-40 companies. Junyi Koike pointed out that he will not compete with Taiwan's Taiwan-based electronics.

News reported on the 24th that regarding the goal of 2 nanometers in 2027, Rapidus president Junyi Koike said, "It was not very certain in April (the factory was activated), but now people think that it may be able to do it." Regarding the reaction of potential customers after successfully testing and displaying the test products, Junyi Koike pointed out, "Everyone is unspeakable about such a fast speed, and IBM, which provides technology, was also shocked. Previously (and potential customers) just conducted hypothetical discussions, but after the test products were completed, the discussions became more specific."

Regarding the number of companies currently in talks, Junyi Koike said, "There are 30-40 companies. However, from the perspective of factory production, it is impossible to take all of them." Regarding how to win customers from the hands of Crystal OEM, Junyi Koike pointed out, "There will not be a competition with NTD. The chip demand will rise first, and Rapidus can show results, which will attract customers to place orders. A dedicated team has been established to explain the results of the trial to some customers. They hope to have a second supplier (alternative supplier). They will improve performance according to the schedule finalized with customers."

Taiwan Electric is building a 2-nanometer factory in Arizona, USA, and when asked whether it will become a threat, Junyi Koike said, "It will not be at all. Whether Arizona can successfully produce 2-nanometers and whether the yield will be improved is still intimidated, and it is not clear what impact the US tax will bring. Arizona may not meet all needs."

According to US investigation company Omdia, the current production capacity of Rapidus with a 12-inch crystal conversion is about 7,000 tablets per month, and the production time will increase to about 25,000 to 30,000 tablets. However, the main factory of Telco is estimated to reach more than 100,000 pieces, and Rapidus is far inferior to that of scale.

Extended reading: Japan Rapidus trial production 2 nanometer GAA crystal circle, officially mass production in 2027