Rapidus and Cadence have announced a collaboration to deploy agentic AI across advanced-node SoC design flows, targeting a 2X improvement in design turnaround time over traditional methods.
The partnership integrates Cadence’s InnoStack AI Super Agent into Rapidus’s AI-Agentic Design Solution (Raads), creating an orchestrated design environment that automates tasks from architectural exploration through implementation and signoff. Rapidus is also launching Raads Navigator and Raads Indicator for quality assurance.
“Advanced-node SoC design increasingly requires AI agents that can orchestrate complex workflows across the design lifecycle,” said Cadence CEO Anirudh Devgan. The collaboration addresses what Rapidus calls the “physical AI” wave — systems requiring tight co-optimization across design, manufacturing, packaging, and software.
Rapidus CEO Dr. Atsuyoshi Koike said the company’s upcoming “Innovative Integration for Manufacturing” facility will be “the most advanced, AI-native foundry where AI is incorporated at almost every stage of semiconductor manufacturing.” The tools will be discussed at CadenceLIVE Japan 2026.
The partnership positions Rapidus, building Japan’s first advanced-node foundry in Chitose, Hokkaido, to compete for 2nm-class design wins starting in 2027.
