Rapidus and the UKSC will begin sharing information and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
In a move aimed at strengthening international semiconductor cooperation, Rapidus Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC) to explore future collaboration in advanced semiconductor manufacturing and technology development.
The agreement marks a significant step toward deepening Japan–UK ties in the semiconductor sector, following the leaders’ January 2026 commitment to enhance cooperation in advanced technologies. The partnership was formalised during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to the UK on June 14, where she met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to advance bilateral technology initiatives.
The UKSC plays a key role in supporting the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem by driving growth strategies, fostering innovation, and facilitating international partnerships in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and next-generation hardware technologies. Through the newly signed MoU, Rapidus and the UKSC will begin sharing information and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
“Entering into this agreement with Rapidus further strengthens the UK’s relationship with Japan,” said Andy McLean, CEO of the UK Semiconductor Centre. He noted that the partnership aligns with the UK Government’s AI Hardware Plan, which emphasizes trusted international manufacturing and technology collaborations to support innovation and business growth. According to McLean, the agreement combines the complementary strengths of the UK and Japan and lays the groundwork for deeper international engagement within the semiconductor industry.
Rapidus is currently progressing with pilot production activities as it works toward the mass production of advanced 2nm logic semiconductors in Japan by 2027. The company views the collaboration as another milestone in its strategy of building global alliances to advance semiconductor innovation.
“Since our foundation, global collaboration has been at the heart of our mission,” said Dr. Atsuyoshi Koike, Representative Director and CEO of Rapidus Corporation. “Our partnership with the UK Semiconductor Centre represents another important step in supporting semiconductor development programs worldwide. We look forward to working together to help shape the next generation of semiconductor technologies.”
The agreement underscores the growing importance of international partnerships in securing resilient semiconductor supply chains and accelerating the development of advanced chip technologies for the AI era.
