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Rapidus Signs MoU with Fondazione Chips-IT in Italy for Future Semiconductor Manufacturing

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New collaboration provides framework between the Japan government and Italy

TOKYO, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rapidus Corporation today announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fondazione Chips-IT, an Italian private-law foundation dedicated to semiconductor circuit design.

The Fondazione Chips-IT plays a central role in Italy’s semiconductor ecosystem and collaborates with world-leading international research institutions and industry. In January of this year, the prime ministers of Japan and Italy met and confirmed their intention to promote bilateral scientific and technological cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as AI robotics, semiconductors and bio manufacturing. Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Italy on June 15 and met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to advance Japan-Italy technology cooperation. As part of this initiative, an MoU between Rapidus and the Fondazione Chips-IT was signed.

“Japan is a key partner for Italian research, and we are pleased to collaborate with Rapidus, where we’ll develop circuits using their advanced technologies in support of our domestic ecosystem. Rapidus is also an example for a young institute like us on how to quickly ramp-up activities and reach the top leaders in our field,” said Dr. Carlo Reita, CEO, Fondazione Chips-IT.

The joint effort with the Fondazione Chips-IT builds on Japan and Europe semiconductor cooperation. Yesterday, Rapidus signed an MoU with the UK Semiconductor Centre, a national body promoting the semiconductor industry in the UK. Rapidus is currently conducting pilot production with the aim of mass-producing cutting-edge 2nm logic semiconductors in Japan in 2027. With the signing of these agreements, Rapidus and the two organizations will begin information sharing and discussions with a view to strengthening their collaborations in the future.

“Since our foundation, we prioritized global collaboration and building key alliances with countries to further their semiconductor programs. Our work with the Fondazione Chips-IT is another important step to fulfilling our mission,” said Dr. Atsuyoshi Koike, representative director and CEO, Rapidus Corporation. “We are honored that Italy has put their trust in Japan and Rapidus and we look forward to working with them to establish their next era of semiconductor development.”

About Fondazione Chips-IT
Fondazione Chips-IT, the Italian Centre for Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Design, based in Pavia, is at the forefront of semiconductor research and innovation, dedicated to advancing Italy and Europe’s strategic autonomy in integrated circuit design. Established in 2023 as a private-law foundation with long-term public funding and strong support from the Italian government, Chips-IT acts as the national focal point for the semiconductor ecosystem, aligning closely with the European Chips Act and collaborating with prominent international research centers and industries.

About Rapidus Corporation
Rapidus Corporation aims to develop and manufacture the world’s most advanced logic semiconductors. We will create new industries together with our customers through the development and provision of services to shorten cycle times in design, wafer processes, 3D packaging and more. We will continue to challenge ourselves in order to contribute to the fulfillment, prosperity and happiness of people’s lives through the use of semiconductors. Visit: https://www.rapidus.inc/en/

Rapidus Corporation
Headquarters: 4-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
Founded: August 10, 2022
Business Areas: Development, design, manufacture, and sale of semiconductor devices, integrated circuits and other electronic components
Capital (as of June 5, 2026): 424.95 billion yen (including legal capital surplus)

U.S. Media Contact:
Breakaway Communications for Rapidus
Email: rapidus@breakawaycom.com

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SOURCE Rapidus Corporation

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iSOFT Contributes Intelligent Driving OS as AUTOSAR CAPI Global Code Baseline

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SHANGHAI, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the 17th AUTOSAR Open Conference (AOC) in Shanghai, iSOFT (iSOFT Infrastructure Software Co., Ltd.) contributed its self-developed intelligent driving operating system as the global code baseline for AUTOSAR’s Common Adaptive Platform Implementation (CAPI) – a notable milestone in the evolution of the global smart vehicle industry.

“This is a paradigm shift from ‘standard-first’ to ‘code-first,’ responding to new industrial demands of the intelligent connected era,” said Liu Hongqian, General Manager of iSOFT. “Open source enables collaboration but must meet automotive-grade safety and performance requirements. iSOFT was the first to open-source EasyXMen, and CAPI reinforces our commitment. As the first international code standard baseline from a Chinese enterprise, this is Chinese wisdom going global. CAPI lets global enterprises develop on one codebase, significantly reducing adaptation costs.”

Joachim Langenwalter, AUTOSAR spokesperson, underscored China’s lead: “China is the world’s largest automotive market at 30 million vehicles annually. Other countries are keeping a close eye on Chinese-developed technology. iSOFT leveraged ‘China speed’ to establish CAPI’s foundation, allowing specifications and code to evolve in lockstep with shortened feedback cycles. AUTOSAR transcends geopolitical boundaries; this unified codebase will be used worldwide.”

Patrick Will, Head of SW Product Marketing & Management at Infineon, noted the accelerating transformation: “The open-source shift is accelerating and automotive mindsets are changing. iSOFT and Infineon are aligned in a shared vision: to streamline software development processes. Our DRIVECORE platform integrates iSOFT middleware with Infineon software and hardware layers, enabling customers to kick off their projects swiftly without encountering licensing barriers. ‘China-for-China’ development is increasingly essential, yet global collaboration matters — walls make no sense.”

Yu Peng, XPENG Motors Technical Center GM, explained CAPI’s value: “It delivers three key benefits for OEMs: reduced redundant costs, enhanced supply chain security, and accelerated ecosystem collaboration. CAPI solves the structural tension where foundational software moves too slowly while upper layers iterate in weeks. It provides a ‘common foundation’ for chip vendors, software suppliers, and automakers to co-develop on the same baseline. China’s mass-production practices now feed back into global standards while global standards better serve China.”

With 25 million-plus units deployed across 300-plus vehicle models, iSOFT’s OS brings production-proven middleware to the global stage through CAPI’s open, collaborative framework for the software-defined vehicle era.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/isoft-contributes-intelligent-driving-os-as-autosar-capi-global-code-baseline-302801042.html

SOURCE iSOFT

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METI-Supported Global South-Japan Tech Talent Internship Opens Applications for 2026 Program

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Program connects STEM students from the Global South with leading Japanese companies through on-site and online internships

TOKYO, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Applications are now open for the Global South-Japan Tech Talent Internship (GS-JTI), a program sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), with Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co., Ltd., serving as the Program Secretariat. The program aims to connect talented students and recent graduates from the Global South with Japanese companies in advanced technology fields, creating opportunities for cross-border learning, skills development, and future career growth.

The GS-JTI program is designed for students and recent graduates in STEM fields, including IT, AI, and semiconductors, who are interested in gaining real-world experience with Japanese industry. Through the program, selected participants will have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, learn from industry mentors, and experience Japanese workplace culture.

In addition to practical work experience, the program offers various forms of participant support. These may include travel and accommodation support, visa application assistance, and 24/7 support during the internship period, in accordance with program conditions.

The program offers both on-site internships in Japan and online internship opportunities. On-site internships are scheduled for approximately 1.5 months between September 2026 and February 2027, while online internships are scheduled for approximately one month during the same period, subject to host company conditions.

Applicants must satisfy the program’s eligibility requirements. Eligible candidates include individuals who:

are majoring in STEM-related fields, including IT, AI, and semiconductors.are currently enrolled at a university or have graduated within the last three years.possess working proficiency in English.are citizens of countries listed on the OECD DAC List (excluding the People’s Republic of China); andreside outside Japan at the time of application.

Past program feedback indicates strong participant interest in future engagement with Japanese employers. According to program materials, 94% of previous interns expressed interest in working for Japanese companies after completing the internship.

The GS-JTI program seeks to contribute to skills development, cross-cultural exchange, and longer-term collaboration between Japan and future technology professionals from the Global South.

For additional information about the program, please visit:
** https://gs-jti.go.jp/foreign-talent/**

To register and apply, please visit:
** https://hub.techjapan.work/register**

Contact
Global South – Japan Tech Talent Internship (GS-JTI) Program Secretariat
(Contractor: Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co., Ltd.)
Email address: gs_hr_exchange_support@tohmatsu.co.jp

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meti-supported-global-south-japan-tech-talent-internship-opens-applications-for-2026-program-302797841.html

SOURCE DELOITTE TOHMATSU VENTURE SUPPORT CO., LTD.

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U.S. News Unveils 2026-2027 Best Global Universities Rankings

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Universities in more than 100 countries are evaluated in the newest edition.

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in education rankings and consumer advice, today published the 2026-2027 Best Global Universities rankings, which evaluate more than 2,250 schools on academic research and reputation.

The latest edition includes universities from more than 100 countries. The following countries have the most schools in the overall rankings:

China: 409United States: 275India: 123United Kingdom: 93Japan: 86

“For students seeking universities with strong academic excellence and global recognition, the Best Global Universities rankings offer an essential comparative resource,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “Our methodology focuses on a school’s research mission and scholarly impact, helping students identify institutions that are truly at the forefront of global knowledge creation.”

Of the 51 subject rankings, four will have more schools ranked this year, including: water resources; chemical engineering; energy and fuels; and clinical medicine.

Powered by data and metrics from the Web of Science Core Collection and InCites Benchmarking & Analytics provided by Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, the Best Global Universities methodology weighs factors that measure a university’s global and regional research reputation and academic research performance.

For the overall ranking, this includes bibliometric indicators such as publications, citations and international collaboration. Each of the 51 subject rankings has its own weighting based on academic research performance in that specific area.

2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities
*See the full rankings here.

Overall Best Global Universities – Top 10

Harvard UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)Stanford UniversityUniversity of OxfordUniversity of CambridgeTsinghua UniversityUniversity of California BerkeleyYale UniversityUniversity College LondonColumbia University

Africa – Top 3

University of Cape Town (South Africa)Cairo University (Egypt)University of Witwatersrand (South Africa)

Asia – Top 3

Tsinghua University (China)National University of Singapore (Singapore)Peking University (China)

Australia/New Zealand – Top 3

University of Melbourne (Australia)University of Sydney (Australia)University of New South Wales Sydney (Australia)

Europe – Top 3

University of Oxford (United Kingdom)University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)University College London (United Kingdom)

Latin America – Top 3

Universidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil)Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (Chile)University of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

The Best Global Universities rankings serve the broader U.S. News mission of providing trusted information and rankings – such as Best High Schools, Best Colleges and Best Online Programs – to empower all students in making informed choices about their education.

For more information on the Best Global Universities, visit X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram using #BestGlobal.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

About Clarivate

Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-news-unveils-2026-2027-best-global-universities-rankings-302800745.html

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.

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