The Japanese government says it's preparing additional aid of more than 800 billion yen, or around 5.4 billion dollars, for semiconductor maker Rapidus. That brings the total amount earmarked for the firm to 11.5 billion dollars.



Rapidus is aiming to mass produce cutting-edge 2-nanometer chips domestically. It plans to put prototype production lines into operation at its Hokkaido factory in April.



The industry ministry says the extra funds will help Rapidus get the manufacturing equipment and raw materials it needs. The money will also go toward a production control system and new manufacturing technology.



A bill before the current Diet session would effectively make the government a shareholder in the chipmaker.
If it becomes law, it will also ensure the firm gets another 100 billion yen, or about 670 million dollars.