Tokyo, Japan - Japan's national semiconductor company, Rapidus Corp, and Singapore-based engineering services provider Quest Global Services Pte Ltd, have announced a partnership to develop low-power artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors.
Through this collaboration, Quest Global will support Rapidus and its customers in designing cutting-edge 2-nanometer (nm) process-based semiconductors specifically for AI applications.
In a statement, Quest Global said that this partnership will provide Rapidus with "access to Quest Global's extensive global customer chip base" and will enable both companies to "deliver new chips to existing and new customers."
Rapidus is preparing for the production of next-generation semiconductors at a plant under construction in Hokkaido, with the goal of mass production by 2027. Pilot production is scheduled to begin in April.
Rapidus was established in 2022 with investments from eight major Japanese companies, including Toyota Motor Corp and Sony Group Corp, to revive Japan's once-strong semiconductor industry and strengthen supply chains in preparation for geopolitical risks.
2-nanometer (nm) process: This is a unit representing the linewidth of a semiconductor circuit. The smaller the number, the finer the circuit that can be implemented, leading to improved performance and increased power efficiency. It is one of the most advanced process technologies currently commercialized and plays a crucial role in high-performance computing fields such as AI. Rapidus's Goal: Established with strong support from the Japanese government, Rapidus aims to reduce reliance on overseas manufacturers and secure its own advanced semiconductor production capabilities. In particular, it is focusing on gaining competitiveness in the advanced semiconductor market dominated by the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea. Quest Global's Role: Quest Global is a global company providing engineering and digital transformation services to various industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, and healthcare. It is recognized for its expertise in semiconductor design and is expected to support Rapidus's technology development and market expansion through this collaboration. AI Semiconductor Market Outlook: With the advancement of artificial intelligence technology, the AI semiconductor market is experiencing rapid growth. Amid the increasing demand for low-power, high-performance AI semiconductors, the collaboration between Rapidus and Quest Global is projected to play a significant role in this market. This collaboration is seen as an important step in the effort to rebuild Japan's semiconductor industry and its potential impact on the competitive landscape of the global AI semiconductor market is drawing attention.
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