Japan will provide Rapidus with an additional 150 billion yen, or about $944 million, as it increases support for the chip startup’s effort to compete with companies including TSMC. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is expected to seek the funding in Japan’s fiscal 2027 budget, according to a person familiar with the matter. Established in 2022 as a government-backed joint venture, Rapidus aims to manufacture advanced 2-nanometer chips by 2027 and help reduce Japan’s dependence on TSMC. Policymakers view the company’s success and technological independence in AI, robotics and quantum computing as critical to national security.