Rapidus Plans European Expansion, to Partner with UK and Italy on Chip R&D
Japanese chipmaker Rapidus is set to sign memorandums of understanding on semiconductor R&D with government-affiliated research institutions in the UK and Italy. The move, timed with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's visit to both countries, aims to expand into the European market and reduce Japan's reliance on Taiwan for semiconductors.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 13:26
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(Central News Agency, Tokyo, 10th – Comprehensive Foreign News) The Yomiuri Shimbun reported today, citing several sources, that Japanese chipmaker Rapidus will sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on semiconductor R&D with public sector organizations in the UK and Italy, coinciding with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's visit to both countries starting on the 13th.
According to sources, Rapidus President Atsuyoshi Koike and others are expected to visit the Prime Minister's Office tomorrow to brief Ishiba on the matter. Ishiba, who views semiconductors as a key growth strategy, is also expected to express full support for the initiative.
Rapidus plans to exchange MOUs with the UK Semiconductor Centre, which is backed by UK government funding, and Italy's government research institute, Chips-IT. The agreements are expected to cover joint R&D of semiconductor manufacturing technology and the granting of access to technical information.
Rapidus is currently expanding its customer base, primarily in the United States. The report analyzes that since these two institutions have strong ties with private companies, Rapidus hopes to expand its sales channels through collaboration with them.
The Yomiuri Shimbun also analyzed that the Japan-UK-Italy cooperation holds significant importance for economic security. Japan's domestic semiconductor supply relies heavily on Taiwan, the US, and South Korea. Rapidus plans to produce advanced logic chips to help reduce Japan's dependence on Taiwan.
Rapidus, heavily funded by the Japanese government and private companies, aims to start mass-producing chips at its factory in Hokkaido from the 2027 fiscal year. (Editor: Yang Weijing) 1150610
According to sources, Rapidus President Atsuyoshi Koike and others are expected to visit the Prime Minister's Office tomorrow to brief Ishiba on the matter. Ishiba, who views semiconductors as a key growth strategy, is also expected to express full support for the initiative.
Rapidus plans to exchange MOUs with the UK Semiconductor Centre, which is backed by UK government funding, and Italy's government research institute, Chips-IT. The agreements are expected to cover joint R&D of semiconductor manufacturing technology and the granting of access to technical information.
Rapidus is currently expanding its customer base, primarily in the United States. The report analyzes that since these two institutions have strong ties with private companies, Rapidus hopes to expand its sales channels through collaboration with them.
The Yomiuri Shimbun also analyzed that the Japan-UK-Italy cooperation holds significant importance for economic security. Japan's domestic semiconductor supply relies heavily on Taiwan, the US, and South Korea. Rapidus plans to produce advanced logic chips to help reduce Japan's dependence on Taiwan.
Rapidus, heavily funded by the Japanese government and private companies, aims to start mass-producing chips at its factory in Hokkaido from the 2027 fiscal year. (Editor: Yang Weijing) 1150610
FAQ
Which institutions will Rapidus collaborate with?
Rapidus will collaborate with the UK Semiconductor Centre and Italy's Chips-IT.
What is the purpose of this collaboration?
To expand into the European market and reduce Japan's reliance on Taiwan for semiconductors.
When does Rapidus plan to start mass production?
Rapidus aims to start mass production at its Hokkaido factory in fiscal year 2027.