Japan's METI Plans Additional ¥400 Billion Investment in Wafer Foundry Rapidus
The Japanese government intends to inject an extra ¥400 billion into Rapidus over three years to support its 2nm chip mass production goals.
According to Kyodo News, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) stated on October 19 that it plans to seek an additional ¥400 billion investment in public-private partnership wafer foundry Rapidus through the "industrial investment" scheme during fiscal years 2027-2029. If approved, the Japanese government's cumulative investment in Rapidus would reach ¥650 billion.
Previously, METI had invested a total of ¥250 billion in Rapidus twice through the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA). Rapidus aims to begin mass production of 2-nanometer chips in the second half of fiscal year 2027. In addition to direct equity investment, the Japanese government also plans to provide subsidies under the name of commissioned R&D, amounting to approximately ¥630 billion in FY2026 and ¥300 billion in FY2027.