Semiconductor Sovereignty: CREST Ushers in a New Era for Bangladesh
Bangladesh has taken a historic step toward shaping the future of semiconductor technology with the establishment of the Center of Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technology (CREST). This research platform has been realized through the vision, leadership, and collective effort of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), marking a stride toward the nation’s technological sovereignty.
Formed under the umbrella of the Bangladesh Academy of Semiconductor Innovation and Curriculum Support (BASICS), CREST aligns with the goals of the inaugural BEAR Summit—focusing on Biotech, Electronics, AI, and Robotics. Built on innovation and global collaboration, CREST represents the joint aspiration of NRB experts and local partners to transform Bangladesh into a “Silicon River.”
Announcing the formation of CREST on October 28, Professor Mohammad Mostafa Hossain of Purdue University—also the convener of the first Bangladesh National Semiconductor Symposium—said that the initiative will begin with nine graduate fellowships from seven leading institutions.
Supported by Neural Semiconductor Limited in Bangladesh and two globally renowned semiconductor companies, CREST’s inaugural year will provide nine fellowships under the mentorship of faculty members from BUET, Dhaka University, North South University, BRAC University, United International University, University of Asia Pacific, and East West University. Out of 21 invited universities, 11 responded, from which three mentors are from BUET and one each from the other institutions. The fellowship teams will collaborate with top U.S. universities, including UC Berkeley and Purdue University.
The initiative also includes six national training centers—AIUB, BUET, DU, IUT, MIST, and UIU—where 120 participants will receive advanced training in semiconductor design. Meanwhile, the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) and the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) are jointly developing a Virtual Innovation Hub, envisioned as a digital ecosystem for connection, skill enhancement, and empowerment. The hub will feature a talent database, online courses, and networking opportunities with semiconductor industries and NRB experts worldwide.
CREST will focus its research on low-power device design, AI-centric circuit design, advanced packaging, ReRAM for automotive applications, and silicon photonics—laying the foundation for Bangladesh’s meaningful participation in the global semiconductor value chain.
As the organizers expressed, “This is not just a research center—it is the embodiment of the vision of Non-Resident Bangladeshis who are committed to shaping a technology-driven future for Bangladesh,” adding, “where global collaboration and domestic talent will be the driving forces of innovation.”
