Japanese Chip Maker Rapidus to Send 2nm Chip Samples to Broadcom, Aims to Compete with TSMC

Japan's Rapidus is set to disrupt the semiconductor industry, with plans to ship 2-nanometer chip samples to AI chip designer Broadcom as early as June 2025. This positions the Japanese firm as a competitor to TSMC and Samsung, the current leaders in 2nm chip technology, despite both Taiwanese and Korean giants yet to begin mass production.

Rapidus Partners with IBM for 2nm Technology

Rapidus has collaborated with IBM to develop its 2nm chips, leveraging Japan’s first EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) machines supplied by ASML. The first 2nm samples are expected to be ready in April 2025, with Broadcom receiving them by June. This aligns with Broadcom’s ambitious AI chip goals, as the company aims to ship one million AI chips by 2027, potentially generating $60–90 billion in revenue.

Challenges Ahead for TSMC and Samsung

TSMC and Samsung are gearing up to start their 2nm chip mass production later this year, incorporating cutting-edge nanosheet transistor designs to boost efficiency and performance. While TSMC's 2nm chips will use nanosheets, Samsung will adopt its GAAFET (Gate-All-Around-FinFET) transistor technology, which it co-developed with IBM.

Rapidus’ entry into this high-stakes market highlights its strategy to fill the supply-demand gap caused by the slow scaling process in advanced chip production. If successful, Rapidus could emerge as a formidable competitor, backed by prominent Japanese companies like Toyota and Sony.

Future Expansion Plans for Rapidus

Rapidus is planning its own 2nm chip production by 2027, targeting the growing demand for AI chips. The company is also expanding its ASML EUV machine inventory, with ASML expected to open a new service center in Japan to support this effort. While scaling up will be a challenge compared to the vast resources of TSMC and Samsung, Rapidus’ focused approach and strong domestic backing might carve out a niche in the AI and semiconductor markets.

What are your thoughts on Rapidus’ entry into the 2nm race? Can Japan’s chipmaker compete with TSMC and Samsung? Let us know in the comments below!