Rapidus Corporation, a significant player in the semiconductor industry, has established a new subsidiary in Santa Clara and appointed industry veteran Henri Richard to lead its U.S. operations, aiming to bolster its innovative capabilities and market reach.
Rapidus Corporation, a trailblazer in the field of advanced logic semiconductors, has recently solidified its presence in the United States by establishing a new subsidiary named Rapidus Design Solutions (RDS) in Santa Clara, California. This strategic expansion is marked by the appointment of Henri Richard, a seasoned semiconductor industry executive, as the general manager and president of the U.S. organization.
Henri Richard, who returns from retirement, brings an extensive background in semiconductor sales, marketing, and customer engagement, having held top positions at notable technology corporations including AMD, IBM, and NetApp. His role at Rapidus will involve spearheading business development efforts across the Americas, focusing particularly on fabless semiconductor companies and technology partners. Richard’s proven track record and deep industry connections are expected to strengthen Rapidus’s bid to reshape semiconductor design and production, especially in a market highly influenced by AI and other next-gen technologies.
The setting up of the Santa Clara office is a significant move for Rapidus, as it represents their commitment to facilitating closer collaborations and speeding up market introductions of cutting-edge semiconductor technologies in the Americas. This expansion aligns with the company’s broader aspirations to innovate across the entire semiconductor manufacturing process. Just last week, Rapidus announced the Japanese government’s approval for its ambitious projects that extend its 2nm-foundry capabilities and introduce new advancements in chip packaging.
Founded in 2022 with substantial backing from both the Japanese government and corporate giants like Sony and Toyota, Rapidus has swiftly advanced in its mission to redefine the semiconductor landscape. The company’s partnership with IBM on the 2nm node technology underscores this commitment. The collaboration has already seen significant advancements with Rapidus and IBM researchers working closely at the Albany NanoTech Complex in New York, a leading hub for nanotechnology research.
In his comments, Henri Richard expressed enthusiasm about his new role, appreciating Rapidus’s innovative team and highlighting the growing demand for advanced semiconductors driven by AI advancements. Dr. Atsuyoshi Koike, president and CEO of Rapidus, echoed this sentiment and emphasized the importance of international collaboration in semiconductor manufacturing, critical for sustainable technological and environmental advancements.
The Santa Clara office not only extends Rapidus’s geographical footprint but also enhances its operational capabilities to support and meet the design and manufacturing needs of its customer base effectively. This initiative is part of a larger strategic vision that includes the construction of the Innovative Integration for Manufacturing (IIM) facility in Hokkaido, Japan, which will soon commence production.
As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, driven by demands from next-generation industries like 5G, AI, quantum computing, and smart cities, Rapidus’s expansion into Silicon Valley represents a significant step in maintaining its competitive edge and commitment to innovation. The synergy between its U.S. and Japanese operations is poised to offer substantial advancements in semiconductor technology, potentially transforming various aspects of modern industry and life.
