On July 18, Junyi Koike, CEO of Rapidus, announced that the company is diligently working towards localizing the production of next-generation semiconductors in Japan. On the 10th, Koike confirmed that the prototypes are functioning normally, heralding a "significant breakthrough." These cutting-edge semiconductors, which Rapidus aims to mass-produce, are anticipated to have vast application potential in fields such as artificial intelligence and autonomous driving. As of June, Rapidus' factory had integrated over 200 semiconductor manufacturing devices and commenced prototype production.

Koike stated that the company is methodically planning and preparing for mass production, with the goal of meeting predetermined product qualification rates. Rapidus will keep customers informed of the progress of its plans. Established in 2022 with a joint investment of 7.3 billion yen (approximately RMB 350 million) from eight companies, including Toyota Motor Corporation and Sony Group Corporation, Rapidus is backed by technical support from IBM in the United States.

The company intends to commence mass production of 2-nanometer process semiconductors in 2027, a globally unprecedented achievement in commercial semiconductor technology.