A new Japanese consortium and a Belgian research lab have signed a memorandum to conduct joint research on next-generation semiconductors. They will be manufactured in Japan.

The consortium, Rapidus, says the tie-up with Belgium-based Imec marks the first step in a new direction.

The lab is known for its miniaturization technology that is used in producing thin circuits for better performance.
Rapidus plans to dispatch its engineers to Imec where they will undergo training.

Rapidus was established in August by 8 Japanese companies, including Toyota Motor and telecom giant NTT. It aims to reduce the heavy reliance on imported chips by Japanese industries.

Domestic makers were once major players in the global semiconductor market. One reason for their decline in market share was their failure to collaborate with overseas entities possessing top technologies.

Rapidus President Koike Atsuyoshi told reporters that utilizing the strengths of each individual on the global stage and by forming a powerful team, it will be possible to make cutting-edge semiconductors.