The UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC) and Rapidus Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will create new opportunities for UK companies to engage with some of the world’s most advanced semiconductor prototyping and manufacturing capabilities.
The agreement, announced yesterday, 14 June, at a special reception at 10 Downing Street, strengthens collaboration between the UK and Japan by drawing on each other’s strengths, expertise and physical infrastructure, whilst helping UK innovators to accelerate development and compete more effectively in the global market.
Through this partnership, the UKSC will act as a trusted and neutral facilitator, helping connect eligible UK companies with opportunities for engagement with Rapidus and supporting broader collaboration between the UK and Japanese semiconductor ecosystems.
“Since our foundation, we prioritized global collaboration and building key alliances with countries to further their semiconductor programs. Our work with the UKSC is another important step to fulfilling our mission.
"We are honoured that the UK has put their trust in Japan and Rapidus and we look forward to working with them to establish their next eras of semiconductor development.”
Dr. Atsuyoshi Koike, Representative Director and CEO, Rapidus Corporation
Tokyo-based Rapidus is a leading semiconductor company focussed on developing state-of-the-art 2nm manufacturing technology.
This technology is at the bleeding edge of semiconductor manufacturing and is used to create the high-end chips found in modern computing and AI development.
Since it was established in 2022, Rapidus has been building this capability through support from major Japanese businesses and the Japanese government, with a view to its processes going online in the 2nd half of fiscal year 2027.
While the UK has globally recognised semiconductor strengths, it currently lacks domestic leading-edge logic manufacturing capability. Access to international manufacturing partners is therefore an important component in helping innovative UK companies commercialise and scale advanced technologies.
The agreement has been signed in the same week as the UK government published its AI Hardware Plan, in which the UKSC was highlighted as a convener of a trusted network of manufacturing and foundry partners to provide UK businesses with a clear pathway from research, design and prototyping to production and scale.
“We’re delighted to enter into this agreement with Rapidus, which further strengthens the UK’s relationship with Japan.
“The UK Government’s AI Hardware Plan recognised the importance of building trusted international manufacturing and technology partnerships that can help UK companies access the capabilities they need to innovate and grow.
“This agreement is an important step in delivering that ambition. It brings together complementary strengths from the UK and Japan and helps establish the international relationships that will be increasingly important to the future success of the UK semiconductor sector.”
Andy McLean, CEO, UK Semiconductor Centre
The partnership supports broader efforts to strengthen semiconductor cooperation between the UK and Japan and further underlines the importance of international collaboration in developing resilient supply chains and scaling technology.
The agreement builds on a partnership agreement signed by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in 2023 that signalled an ambition to collaborate more closely on semiconductor technologies.
“For UK companies, the ability to move quickly and demonstrate a credible route to market can be a significant competitive advantage.
“By connecting the UK ecosystem with international capability, we can help accelerate technology development, strengthen commercial confidence and improve the global competitiveness of UK semiconductor companies.”
Brian Robertson, Director of International Partnerships, UK Semiconductor Centre
“Japan is one of our closest tech partners. This deal will offer our talented innovators driving the future of quantum computers, next-generation chips, and clean energy direct access to vital investment, manufacturing and markets.
“At the same time the UK's world-class research base, software expertise, and pro-innovation environment makes us the ideal partner for Japanese firms looking to expand and invest.
“By working together we can bolster growth and jobs across our countries and build a stronger, more secure economy that improves lives across the UK.”
Kanishka Narayan MP, Technology Minister, UK Government
For UK companies wishing to engage with Rapidus, you can fill out an expression of interest form here.
