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Canon to commission 2nm image processing chip production from Rapidus

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 08:10 AM

Canon has emerged as the first major Japanese customer to commission 2nm semiconductor production from Rapidus. The two companies will collaborate to prototype 2nm image processing chips at the Rapidus plant in Chitose, Hokkaido. The project is facilitated through Synopsys, which is co-developing the chip design with Canon. The development cost is estimated at up to 40 billion yen, with NEDO providing a subsidy for approximately two-thirds of the expenses to support Rapidus in securing its domestic customer base.

Context

Canon has selected state-backed foundry Rapidus to manufacture next-generation 2nm image processing chips, marking the first major domestic customer for the Japanese startup. The project, which also involves leading US design firm Synopsys, focuses on developing high-performance, low-power semiconductors for Canon's digital and surveillance cameras. Trial production is slated to take place at the Rapidus facility in Chitose, Hokkaido, as the company moves toward its goal of full-scale mass production by 2027. The initiative is a central pillar of Japan's strategy to reclaim its lead in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Total development costs are estimated at 40 billion yen, with the state-run NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) providing subsidies covering approximately two-thirds of the expense. By leveraging Synopsys's design expertise and the cutting-edge 2nm node, Canon aims to significantly reduce power consumption while boosting the real-time processing capabilities of its imaging hardware.