TLDR: Bangladesh successfully hosted its inaugural Biotech, Electronics, AI, and Robotics (BEAR) Summit and National Semiconductor Symposium from July 16-17, 2025, in Dhaka. The event, organized by the ICT Division and partners, brought together global experts, industry leaders, and academia to foster a robust deep-tech ecosystem, with a strong focus on semiconductor development and AI advancements, including the creation of Bangla-language Large Language Models.
Dhaka, Bangladesh – July 19, 2025 – Bangladesh has marked a significant stride in its technological aspirations with the successful conclusion of the first-ever Biotech, Electronics, AI, and Robotics (BEAR) Summit and the National Semiconductor Symposium 2025. Held from July 16 to 17 at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon, Dhaka, the two-day event convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, industry titans, leading academics, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, all united by a vision for a technologically advanced nation.
The summit, a collaborative effort by the ICT Division, Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), and the Enhancing Digital Government Economy (EDGE) Project, with support from the World Bank, aimed to accelerate deep-tech innovation and cultivate a thriving semiconductor ecosystem within the country.
Mr. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser overseeing the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and IT, inaugurated the summit, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to foundational technologies. He stated, ‘Building a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem requires interoperability, cybersecurity, ethical governance, and environmentally friendly technologies. Bangladesh must develop its own foundational technologies, including Bangla-language LLMs and a trusted semiconductor infrastructure.’ This sentiment was echoed by ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, who highlighted the government’s readiness to provide comprehensive policy support, including a draft National Semiconductor Policy.
The event served as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, featuring nearly 10 thematic sessions that delved into critical areas such as AI talent development, AI policy and regulation, cybersecurity, biotech applications in healthcare and environment, robotics in industry, and the semiconductor workforce. A dedicated segment also explored the pivotal role of non-resident Bangladeshis in the global semiconductor landscape and opportunities for establishing a local semiconductor industry.
Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, USA, a convener of the summit, lauded Bangladesh’s potential, remarking, ‘A resilient and determined country like Bangladesh can lead the future by nurturing local talent, attracting global collaboration, and achieving technological self-reliance. This summit was not just an event—it marked the beginning of a tech-driven national journey, laying the foundation for a knowledge-based and innovation-led Bangladesh.’ Professor Md Saidur Rahman, a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC), underscored the importance of higher education reforms, citing projects like HEAT and ICSETEP, to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Over a thousand university students participated, alongside senior officials from global semiconductor giants such as MediaTek, SK Hynix, SanDisk, GlobalFoundries, Tokyo Electronics, and Innovex. Local innovators like Neural Semiconductor Limited, Ulkasemi, and THiNK Global Limited also showcased their advancements at over 40 exhibition stalls, drawing significant attention.
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The summit’s overarching theme, ‘Bangladesh as a Nation of Innovation,’ underscored the country’s burgeoning capabilities in deep-tech sectors. Officials expressed optimism that with just 20,000 skilled personnel, Bangladesh could achieve an impressive $150 billion in exports from the semiconductor industry within the next decade, solidifying its position as an emerging leader in the global innovation ecosystem.
