As per reports, Japanese semiconductor firm Rapidus is set to embark on the construction of a second factory in Hokkaido during the 2027 fiscal year. Production of 1.4 - nanometer chips is projected to commence as early as 2029, a strategic move that could potentially close the gap between Rapidus and industry leader TSMC. This ambitious project is anticipated to incur costs in the trillions of yen, with the Japanese government stepping in to offer financial backing.

Rapidus's inaugural factory, located in Chitose City, has plans to achieve mass - production of 2 - nanometer chips in the latter half of the 2027 fiscal year. Moreover, the company is also aiming to establish mass - production goals for nodes smaller than 1.4 nanometers in a bid to secure long - term clientele.

The cutting - edge 1.4 - nanometer chips are poised to find applications in a diverse range of fields, including data centers, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and smartphones. Nevertheless, Rapidus has clarified that reports regarding the 1.4 - nanometer chip factory are merely speculative in nature.