Dhaka, March 31 -- Japan said Monday it had decided to inject more than $5 billion extra into semiconductor venture Rapidus, which is aiming to mass-produce next- generation chips in the country from 2027.

The industry ministry said it would provide 802.5 billion yen ($5.4 billion) for the company, a joint venture involving Sony, Toyota, IBM and others.

It brings total government assistance to Rapidus - which is set to start test production at its factory in Hokkaido in April - to 1.7 trillion yen, the ministry said.

Global demand for advanced, energy-efficient semiconductors is expected to explode as

artificial intelligence technologies play an increasing role in people's daily lives.

Securing stable supplies of chips has become a b...