11:30 – 11:50
Keynote
Driving the Future of Semiconductor Innovation: AI-Enabled Advanced Nodes and Japan’s Leap Forward
In this keynote, I will explore how AI-driven innovations such as Raads and DMCO are revolutionizing advanced semiconductor nodes and reshaping the future of chip manufacturing. By integrating intelligent design automation and data-centric optimization, these technologies accelerate development cycles and enhance yield. I will also highlight Japan’s strategic leap in semiconductor leadership, including breakthroughs in advanced packaging and ecosystem collaboration. How AI is unlocking new possibilities in scalability, performance, and sustainability—positioning Japan at the forefront of global semiconductor innovation.
Kazunari Ishimaru, Ph.D.
Rapidus Corporation
Dr. Kazunari Ishimaru, IEEE Fellow, is CTO and Senior Managing Executive Officer at Rapidus Corporation. He began his career at Toshiba in 1988, contributing to SRAM and logic development. As VP of R&D at Toshiba America Electronic Components, he led 32nm–20nm CMOS projects with IBM. Returning to Japan, he oversaw logic manufacturing at Toshiba Oita and emerging memory R&D at Kioxia Yokkaichi, later becoming Director of the Institute of Memory Technology R&D. He joined Rapidus in 2023 and became CTO in 2025, driving Japan’s advanced semiconductor initiatives, including 2nm logic and the RUMS model for integrated manufacturing innovation.
Rapidus Corporation
Company Profile
Rapidus will contribute to the fulfillment, prosperity, and well-being of people’s lives through semiconductors. We promote fab management with world-class R&D and manufacturing capabilities, collaborate with universities and research institutions to foster talents vital for semiconductor field, and further innovate toward a truly green society. Based on this corporate philosophy, we will establish new business schemes in cooperation with companies worldwide, develop and provide the world’s best cycle time reduction services, and promote creation of new industries together with our customers.
