On July 16 (Wednesday), coinciding with Shaheed Abu Sayeed Day, the two-day BEAR Summit 2025 will be held at the National Science and Technology Complex in the capital. For the first time, the national Semiconductor Symposium will focus on biotech, electronics, AI, and robotics. Leading global semiconductor companies such as MediaTek, SK Hynix, SanDisk, GlobalFoundries, Tokyo Electronics, and Innovex will participate alongside expatriate Bangladeshi experts holding top positions in these organizations. Also attending will be academics, policymakers, and over 250 university students from across Bangladesh.

Statistics indicate that 60% of the participants will be students, while 40% will consist of teachers and industry specialists. Additionally, 30% of the international experts will be joining virtually. In a pre-recorded video message during the inauguration, the importance of national innovation and social movements in the semiconductor sector will be emphasized.

These details were disclosed at a press conference held on July 15 (Tuesday) at the ICT Tower Conference Room in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The conference was presided over by ICT Secretary Shish Haider, and the convener of the event, Dr. Md. Mostafa Hossain, a professor at Purdue University, stated:
“This conference is being held to honor those martyred and involved in the July uprising. Through this initiative, we aim to reduce brain drain and dependency on chip-related jobs abroad by highlighting the immense potential of our youth and focusing on domestic innovation in the semiconductor field. I am very hopeful. Already, nine experts working in the world’s top five universities have confirmed their participation. Top semiconductor industry leaders will also be joining. Furthermore, all semiconductor entrepreneurs from Bangladesh will participate in this symposium.”

He added, “We want to move the sector forward not with money, but through expert ideas, innovation, and policy support. The more than 300 posters and live demos submitted for the conference are clear evidence of this goal. We hope this symposium will lead to the formation of a national technology strategy and the establishment of an Intellectual Property (IP) Office to harness youth creativity and innovation.”

In response to journalists' queries, the ICT Secretary shared that the event is being supported by the EDGE project of the Bangladesh Computer Council under the Information and Communication Technology Division, with financial assistance from the World Bank. Despite the limited budget, the symposium has been made possible with a cost of just over 1 crore BDT, including the travel of international experts — a remarkable beginning, according to him.

Even though over 250 students have registered, the venue can accommodate only 150 students due to budget constraints. The symposium will be inaugurated by Foyez Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor.

He further mentioned, “AI and robotics are now integral to every field. Hence, this seminar has also drawn participation commitments from politicians alongside the experts. By next month, we plan to release final AI policy and data privacy guidelines. For the development of the semiconductor sector, we’ve already recommended 10–15 years of tax holidays, duty-free imports, special bonded warehouse facilities, fast-track customs clearance, and 5–10% cash incentives for exports.”

Also speaking at the press conference were Dr. Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Computer Council, and Dr. Mahbub Rashed, Vice President of World Founders and a semiconductor expert.