As Tokyo-based Rapidus builds its new semiconductor plant in Hokkaido, officials of Japan’s northernmost prefecture want to replicate the success of New York State in creating its semiconductor ecosystem.
Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki took some local business leaders with him on a visit to New York in August to look more closely into the state’s semiconductor ecosystem, particularly IBM’s research hub in Albany and the Albany NanoTech Complex.
We see what NY CREATES has been doing as a great model of what we would like to achieve.
Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki
During his visit, Suzuki signed an agreement with Empire State Development and with NY CREATES, a public-private partnership organization, to increase semiconductor collaborations and human resource development between Hokkaido and New York.
The governor described the visit as “an important step in advancing our future efforts,” to create a similar zone in Japan that focuses on chip manufacturing, research, and workforce training.
“Our first priority is to help the Rapidus project succeed. And then as the second step, we would like to establish (a multi-purpose complex like Albany NanoTech) in Hokkaido for the semiconductor industry…. In total, we see what NY CREATES has been doing as a great model of what we would like to achieve,” the governor told reporters.
While it is determined to replicate New York State’s success, Hokkaido faces tough challenges.
New York’s annual revenue surpasses Hokkaido’s, making it difficult for the latter to adopt the same strategies on the same scale.
There are doubts over Rapidus’ ability to mass-produce 2-nm chips by 2027. According to a Chitose city official, many companies are hesitant to locate to Hokkaido until full-scale production is achieved.
