Rapidus, a leading Japanese semiconductor foundry, is set to deliver 2nm chip samples to U.S. semiconductor giant Broadcom. This development follows the company's announcement of trial production beginning in April 2025, with mass production targeted for 2027. Rapidus aims to secure substantial and dependable customers to stabilise its operations and reach profitability.

Broadcom's role in the AI boom 

The ongoing AI boom has propelled Broadcom to become the fifth-largest semiconductor player globally, achieving a market value of over $1 trillion in December 2024. Partnering with Broadcom could be a transformative opportunity for Rapidus, potentially enabling the Japanese foundry to supply chips to Broadcom's high-profile clients, including Google and Meta. This collaboration represents a breakthrough for Rapidus, primarily working with smaller startups.

Japanese collaboration to build AI infrastructure

In a separate initiative, Rapidus has entered a basic agreement with two prominent Japanese companies: AI unicorn Preferred Networks (PFN) and AI service provider Sakura Internet. The partnership focuses on creating domestically produced AI infrastructure, leveraging PFN's "MN-Core" AI processors, which will be manufactured by Rapidus and integrated into Sakura's data centers.

Sustainable AI infrastructure

Sakura Internet will incorporate Rapidus-produced AI chips into its AI servers, housed in data centers powered by renewable energy to reduce CO2 emissions. The company also plans to minimize power consumption by utilizing outside air to cool its servers, further enhancing sustainability.

Challenges ahead for Rapidus

Despite these promising developments, uncertainties remain regarding Rapidus' ability to successfully mass-produce 2nm chips. To address this challenge, the company has established a presence in Silicon Valley and is actively negotiating manufacturing contracts with 30 to 40 companies.