Bangladesh has taken a major leap toward establishing itself as a hub for deep-tech innovation by hosting its inaugural Biotech, Electronics, AI, and Robotics (BEAR) Summit alongside the Bangladesh National Semiconductor Symposium 2025.
The two-day event, held at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon, Dhaka, is jointly organised by the ICT Division and the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the EDGE Project. Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb inaugurated the event.
Speaking at the programme, Taiyeb said, "We are building a Digital Public Infrastructure and formulating a National AI Policy. We're also developing a natural intelligence-based AI model in Bangla. Our goal is to empower the youth and support entrepreneurs entering the semiconductor industry."
The summit brought together stakeholders from academia, industry, and the global tech community, reflecting Bangladesh's aspirations to transform into a knowledge-based economy driven by frontier technologies.
Professor Md Saidur Rahman, member of the University Grants Commission (UGC), highlighted the importance of higher education in enabling this transition.
"Two key projects are underway, the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project and ICSETEP initiative, aimed at reforming tertiary education and enhancing CSE/IT capabilities to meet 4IR demands," he said.
Leading institutions involved in ICSETEP include the University of Dhaka, BUET, and Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST).
BUET Vice-Chancellor Dr ABM Badruzzaman and ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury also addressed the inaugural session.
During a panel discussion, Tanveer Ali, chairman of Constellation Asset Management, told The Business Standard, "The BEAR Summit is a unique platform to explore both challenges and opportunities in AI.
"Young entrepreneurs can leverage today's accessible technologies to build startups and SMEs – particularly in fields like digital content creation and marketing – without needing massive capital. This is a game-changer for youth-led innovation."
The day-long conference featured several technical sessions and panel discussions. Companies such as Neural Semiconductor Limited, Ulkasemi, and THiNK Global Limited showcased their innovations at the event.
The event will continue till today, with expert sessions, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge research, innovation, and business models.
According to organisers, over 2,500 participants attended, with 60% being students and 40% professionals. Around 30% joined virtually from abroad.
Representatives from 30 universities and all local semiconductor companies participated, and more than 300 posters and demos were submitted.
Recently, the government's 13-member Semiconductor Taskforce, formed on 1 January, has submitted a formal report to the chief adviser, outlining a strategic roadmap prioritising skills development, a business-friendly environment, and policy support, alongside stronger global partnerships.
The roadmap proposes short, medium, and long-term measures to support the sector. It identifies three main areas of the semiconductor value chain – chip design, manufacturing, and testing and packaging.
While Bangladesh has near-term potential to enter chip design and testing/packaging, full-scale chip manufacturing would require substantial investment and a highly skilled workforce and is therefore recommended as a long-term goal.
