Rapidus Corporation, a key player in the domain of advanced logic semiconductors, has unveiled a strategic collaboration with Tenstorrent Inc., a pioneering force in next-generation computing tailored for AI. This partnership is poised to catalyze the joint development of semiconductor Intellectual Property (IP) in the arena of AI edge devices, leveraging the cutting-edge potential of 2nm logic semiconductors.
The agreement marks an ambitious stride toward innovation in the semiconductor landscape. Tenstorrent, renowned for its AI processors, servers, and ownership of world-class RISC-V CPU IP, is poised to accelerate the progression of groundbreaking devices through this technological alliance with Rapidus.
“Atsuyoshi Koike, President and CEO of Rapidus Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, ‘I am very pleased to be working with Tenstorrent. We are both unique startup companies, and I am confident that this collaboration will lead to major innovations based on AI.'”
David Bennett, Chief Customer Officer of Tenstorrent, emphasized the significance of Japan in their strategic roadmap, stating, “Japan is very important both to Tenstorrent and to me personally. We have tremendous momentum with our customers in the Asia Pacific region right now, and I am proud that we can start talking about all the things we are doing in Japan.”
Rapidus Corporation has embarked on a significant endeavor, initiating the construction of IIM (Innovative Integration for Manufacturing) in Chitose City, Hokkaido, marking Japan’s pioneering facility for the production of cutting-edge 2-nanometer (nm) logic semiconductors and beyond. Simultaneously, Rapidus has engaged in collaborative efforts with the Albany Nanotech Complex in New York, USA, in tandem with IBM, to advance technologies for the production of 2nm logic semiconductors. The company is also set to acquire EUV lithography technology, pivotal for the production of state-of-the-art semiconductors, from imec.
Looking ahead, Rapidus aims to initiate pilot production at IIM-1 by April 2025, with plans for full-scale mass production slated for 2027. The company’s vision extends beyond national boundaries, aiming to bolster Japan’s industrial prowess through strategic collaborations with domestic and international entities like IBM, imec, among others, fostering cooperative frameworks within the semiconductor ecosystem.
