The two‑day BEAR Summit and National Semiconductor Symposium came to an impressive close on July 17 in Dhaka, marking a milestone for Bangladesh’s push into deep‑tech. Held at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon, the event drew more than a thousand students alongside government officials, industry leaders, diaspora experts, and academic researchers. The summit highlighted key advances across biotech, electronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and semiconductor research and development. At the closing session, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant overseeing posts, telecommunications and IT, emphasized the need to build a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem. He urged development of foundational technologies, ethical governance, cybersecurity, and Bangla‑language large‑language models to anchor a trusted chip‐making industry. His remarks framed the summit as more than a showcase—it was a clear step toward self‑reliance in cutting‑edge ICT sectors. Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain from Purdue University expressed his admiration for the country’s possibilities, stating that the meeting serves as a starting point for Bangladesh’s technology-focused national journey. He noted that local talent, combined with global partnerships, can position the country as a leader in innovation. Indeed, sessions covered topics ranging from AI policy and biotech in healthcare to robotics, cybersecurity, and semiconductor talent development. Global companies such as MediaTek, SK Hynix, SanDisk, GlobalFoundries, Tokyo Electronics, and Innovex participated alongside local startups, academia, and non‑resident Bangladeshi experts. Close to 40 exhibition booths featured home‑grown solutions. A local company specializing in embedded systems showcased several innovative tools. These included an AI-driven device for monitoring mosquitoes, intelligent water meters, remote temperature sensors for keeping vaccines cold, industrial IoT gateways, and drones designed for disaster management. Emerging engineering and AI innovations were particularly spotlighted. Students and researchers showcased their work, prompting praise for a growing STEM ecosystem. Attendees expressed optimism that the summit would help reduce brain drain by offering local pathways for talent in chip design, advanced robotics, AI, and cybersecurity. Organizers also discussed strategic steps to sustain momentum. A proposed national semiconductor roadmap includes skill development, policy support, and infrastructure investments such as bonded warehouse facilities, incentives, and fast-track customs. Recommendations for a dedicated IP office and long‑term fiscal measures were shared to strengthen the sector.Under the theme “Bangladesh: A Nation of Innovation,” the BEAR Summit and Symposium successfully conveyed a powerful message: the nation is poised to assert its presence in the world of deep-tech. With public‑private‑academic collaboration, support for startups, and a clear policy vision, Bangladesh is setting the stage for accelerated growth in semiconductors, AI, biotech, and robotics. The summit’s energy and ideas signal a renewed confidence that this generation could shape Bangladesh’s future as a technology hub.
