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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the two-day National Semiconductor Symposium and the Biotechnology, Electronics, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (BEAR) Conference 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transforming Bangladesh into a regional hub for semiconductors and other advanced technologies.
The conference, organised by the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Silicon River Bangladesh programme, began at the Novo Theatre in Tejgaon under the theme, “Building Bangladesh’s Semiconductor Future through Global Partnership.”
The event has brought together policymakers, leading figures from the global semiconductor industry, researchers, entrepreneurs, academics, investors and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora to chart a long-term roadmap for developing the country’s semiconductor ecosystem and strengthening its position in the global high-tech value chain.
The symposium is expected to serve as a platform for fostering international collaboration, attracting investment, promoting research and innovation, and preparing Bangladesh for opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
According to the organisers, discussions will focus on building a skilled semiconductor workforce, strengthening research and development, expanding manufacturing capabilities, commercialising innovation, encouraging deep-tech entrepreneurship and forging stronger partnerships with global technology leaders.
The two-day programme includes 11 technical sessions and seven strategic dialogue sessions covering semiconductor manufacturing, technology convergence, artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced electronics, global technology leadership, entrepreneurship and the role of Bangladeshi technology professionals living abroad in accelerating the country’s technological transformation.
Representatives from several internationally renowned organisations are participating in the conference, including Texas Instruments, Purdue University, GlobalFoundries, NXP, Applied Materials, SanDisk, CREDO, and the Vietnam Semiconductor Alliance and Partnership.
The second day of the conference will feature the Christie Fellowship Research Symposium, where young Bangladeshi researchers will present their latest work in semiconductor technologies and related fields, highlighting the country’s growing pool of scientific talent.
Addressing the inaugural session were Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, Prime Minister’s ICT Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain, and Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association President M A Jabbar.
Professor Mohammad Mustafa Hossain of Purdue University, chief architect of the BEAR initiative and Silicon River Bangladesh, delivered the keynote vision address, outlining strategies for developing a globally competitive semiconductor industry in Bangladesh through innovation, international collaboration and investment in human capital.
Running alongside the conference is the BEAR Innovation Expo 2026, where students, researchers and start-ups are showcasing cutting-edge innovations in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, health technology and other deep-tech sectors.
The organisers said the symposium is expected to strengthen collaboration between government, academia and industry while positioning Bangladesh as an emerging destination for high-value technology investment and advanced manufacturing in the years ahead.