In an ambitious move that could reshape the global semiconductor landscape, Japan’s Rapidus, a relatively new player in the high-stakes chipmaking arena, has announced plans to mass-produce cutting-edge 1.4 nanometer (nm) chips as early as 2029. This bold strategy positions the company to directly compete with industry giants like Taiwan’s TSMC and Intel of the United States in the race toward atomic-scale circuitry.
The announcement, detailed in a recent report from Nikkei Asia, signals Japan's determined re-entry into the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing. The plan is to begin mass production of the 1.4 nm node just two years after the company’s first 2 nm chips are scheduled to hit the market, indicating a highly aggressive and accelerated roadmap.
A Trillion-Yen Bet Backed by Japan Inc.
The technological leap won't come cheap. The endeavor is expected to cost Rapidus several trillion yen (tens of billions of dollars), a massive investment for any company, let alone a newcomer. The funding is anticipated to come primarily from the Japanese government and a coalition of private investors, underscoring the national strategic priority being placed on achieving semiconductor self-sufficiency and regaining technological leadership.
To tackle the immense R&D challenges of the 1.4 nm process, Rapidus is not going it alone. The company has secured a pivotal partnership with American tech heavyweight IBM. Full-scale research and development for the 1.4 nm technology is slated to begin in 2026, leveraging IBM’s proven expertise in advanced semiconductor research.
Building the Foundation with 2nm and EUV Tech
Rapidus is already making tangible progress. The company has confirmed that its first 2 nm chip design has successfully "taped out," a critical milestone meaning the design is finalized and ready for initial production. To bring these advanced nodes to life, Rapidus plans to deploy a fleet of ten state-of-the-art Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography scanners from Dutch firm ASML.
Industry analysts suggest five of these multi-million-dollar machines will be dedicated to the initial 2 nm production, with the remaining five reserved for the development and production of next-generation nodes, including the coveted 1.4 nm process. While Rapidus has not yet publicly confirmed any major clients, such information is often closely guarded, especially for a foundry that is still building out its manufacturing capacity.
The Global Race Heats Up
If Rapidus successfully hits its 2029 target, it will enter a fiercely competitive market. TSMC, the current industry leader, plans to launch its equivalent A14 node in 2028, putting it about a year ahead of Rapidus. Meanwhile, Intel’s 14A node and Samsung Foundry’s SF1.4 are also expected around the same 2027-2028 timeframe.
The potential success of Rapidus, however, represents a significant shift for the global electronics industry. If OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) have three viable, high-volume foundries—TSMC, Intel, and Rapidus—competing at the sub-2nm level, it would dramatically diversify the supply chain. This would reduce the world's heavy reliance on TSMC and mitigate the geopolitical and logistical risks associated with a concentrated manufacturing base.
The road ahead for Rapidus is steep, but with strong national backing, key international partnerships, and a clear, aggressive vision, Japan’s semiconductor champion is signaling that it intends to be a major force in defining the future of computing.