Rapidus Signs MoU with Fondazione Chips-IT Following Japan-Italy Prime Ministerial Meetings on Semiconductor Cooperation

Rising Japan based advanced node foundry Rapidus Corporation announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fondazione Chips-IT, an Italian private-law foundation dedicated to semiconductor circuit design.

The signing occurred as part of initiatives connected to the June 15 visit by Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Italy, during which she met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to advance Japan-Italy technology cooperation. In January of this year, the prime ministers of Japan and Italy met and confirmed their intention to promote bilateral scientific and technological cooperation in fields including semiconductors.

Fondazione Chips-IT plays a central role in Italy’s semiconductor ecosystem and collaborates with international research institutions and industry. It is based in Pavia and was established in 2023 as a private-law foundation with long-term public funding and strong support from the Italian government. It acts as the national focal point for the semiconductor ecosystem, aligning closely with the European Chips Act.

Dr. Carlo Reita, CEO of Fondazione Chips-IT, stated: “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 inst...