Bangladesh launches CREST to boost semiconductor research

Bangladesh today (29 December) officially inaugurated the Centre of Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technology (CREST) at BRAC University.

CREST is a national hub dedicated to advanced semiconductor research, covering AI-driven chip design, robotics, materials, packaging, testing, and next-generation hardware platforms.

The inauguration, hosted at BRAC University, was held under the broader Silicon River Ecosystem – Bangladesh's national framework integrating Biotech, Electronics, Al, and Robotics (BEAR). 

At the event, architect of the Silicon River vision and the CREST initiative, Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, said Bangladesh's future as a "Nation of Innovation" will be defined by impactful ideas rather than population size. 

Syed Ferhat Anwar, vice chancellor of BRAC University, reaffirmed the institution's role as a key academic anchor. He said CREST is designed to nurture innovation-driven talent, aligning academic research with national priorities in deep-tech and semiconductors.

Industry-Academia Synergy

MA Jabbar, president of the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) and managing director of Neural Semiconductor, in his address highlighted the importance of indigenous capability building, industry-academia collaboration, and export-oriented semiconductor growth. 

Neural Semiconductor, also serves as the principal industry sponsor of CREST, reinforcing private-sector leadership in Bangladesh's semiconductor journey.

Global technology firm Synopsys reaffirmed its support through access to global-standard design tools and curriculum alignment, said Director Harish Balan. 

GlobalFoundries Vice President Mahbub Rashed highlighted the need for sustained investment in research talent to remain competitive amid rapidly evolving global semiconductor supply chains.

CREST Fellowship

A cornerstone of the event was the announcement of the Inaugural CREST Fellowship. This program supports 8 graduate and 2 undergraduate students from various institutions – including BUET, University of Dhaka, NSU, and others – to conduct advanced semiconductor research.

Additionally, the BEAR Summit Competition recognised young innovators with awards from the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA), reinforcing a commitment to entrepreneurial thinking at the grassroots level.

The ceremony also recognised the winners of the BEAR Summit Competition, celebrating innovation and creativity among students and young professionals. 

The Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) awarded Tk5,000 to each winning individual or winning team (where applicable), reinforcing the industry's commitment to encouraging early-stage innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.

The event further highlighted BOOST, Bangladesh's national semiconductor virtual hub, which will be developed and led by the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST). 

The Commandant of MIST, Major General Nasim Parvez, shared a video message outlining MIST's role in structured workforce development, national training infrastructure, and execution-oriented delivery.