TOKYO, Japan, June 18, 2026 – Rapidus and Fondazione Chips-IT will cooperate on semiconductor technology under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) linked to a Japan-Italy initiative covering AI, robotics, semiconductors and bio-manufacturing.
The MoU follows a January 2026 meeting between the prime ministers of Japan and Italy, where both governments confirmed plans to expand bilateral cooperation in those areas.
“Japan is a key partner for Italian research, and we are pleased to collaborate with Rapidus, where we’ll develop circuits using their advanced technologies in support of our domestic ecosystem. Rapidus is also an example for a young institute like us on how to quickly ramp-up activities and reach the top leaders in our field,” said Dr. Carlo Reita, CEO, Fondazione Chips-IT.
The collaboration extends Rapidus’ semiconductor partnerships in Europe. The company also signed an MoU with the UK Semiconductor Centre, a national body supporting the semiconductor industry in the United Kingdom. Rapidus is conducting pilot production as part of its plan to produce 2nm logic semiconductors in Japan in 2027. Under the agreements with Fondazione Chips-IT and the UK Semiconductor Centre, the organizations plan to share information and discuss potential collaboration.
“Since our foundation, we prioritized global collaboration and building key alliances with countries to further their semiconductor programs. Our work with the Fondazione Chips-IT is another important step to fulfilling our mission,” said Dr. Atsuyoshi Koike, representative director and CEO, Rapidus Corporation. “We are honored that Italy has put their trust in Japan and Rapidus and we look forward to working with them to establish their next eras of semiconductor development.”
Source: Rapidus
About Fondazione Chips-IT
Fondazione Chips-IT is an Italian semiconductor research organization based in Pavia, Italy. Founded in 2023, it conducts industrial research in integrated circuit and semiconductor design. The foundation supports chip design work for companies, universities and research centers. Its work includes digital design, open hardware, RF-to-THz circuits and mixed-signal research. It also plans research in power electronics and advanced chip packaging. Fondazione Chips-IT provides research collaboration, design support, training and access to design resources. It works with public and private organizations in semiconductor and microelectronics fields. The foundation also supports Italy’s role in European semiconductor research programs.
About Rapidus Corporation
Rapidus Corp. is a semiconductor foundry based in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in August 2022, the company develops and manufactures logic semiconductors and integrated circuits. Its model combines chip design and manufacturing work with AI-based tools intended to shorten development cycles. Rapidus is backed by Japanese companies including Toyota, Sony and NEC, as well as government funding. The company has said it plans pilot production of 2-nanometer gate-all-around transistors, with mass production scheduled for 2027. Its chips are intended for use in AI, data centers, industrial systems, automotive systems and autonomous platforms.