BSIA Silicon River USA Roadshow Shines in Silicon Desert of Arizona
The BSIA Silicon River USA Roadshow reached Phoenix, Arizona. Bangladeshi NRB semiconductor experts gathered to discuss AI, tech ecosystems, and global tie-ups.
Following its successful launch in Austin, Texas, the BSIA Silicon River USA Roadshow 2026 continued in Phoenix, Arizona, a rapidly growing US semiconductor hub known as the "Silicon Desert."
The Phoenix chapter commenced on Sunday, June 7, with a highly successful BRAINGAIN Reception. The event gathered over 80 Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) semiconductor professionals representing more than 30 global tech companies. Mr. Nokibul Islam Tapan, Director of Business Development at Stats ChipPAC (JCET), welcomed the delegation and highlighted Arizona's booming semiconductor economy. BSIA President Mr. M. A. Jabbar thanked the local community and urged the diaspora to actively support Bangladesh’s semiconductor sector.
Veteran professionals Mr. Zabir and Dr. Riyad presented the voluntary initiatives of the Arizona Bangladeshi Semiconductor Society (ABSS). Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, who is also the Chief Architect of the Silicon River Initiative, delivered a keynote on Bangladesh’s semiconductor vision and strategic ecosystem. Dr. Rezaul Islam Pavel, a tech leader at IBM, discussed the rising role of Agentic AI. Representing the Bangladesh government, Consul General Mr. Qazi Muhammad Jabed Iqbal from Los Angeles highlighted the state's commitment to tech-driven growth.
The event featured presentations from Cactus Materials, DSi, Neural Semiconductor Ltd., iTest, Ulkasemi, and ChipMentors. It concluded with remarks by Mr. Syed Zaki Huda, President of the Bangladesh Association of Arizona (BAAZ) and Lead Software Engineer at New Relic. The entire event was organized under the leadership of veteran professional Mr. Noor Jamil Sarwar.
On Monday, June 8, the delegation visited Arizona State University (ASU) for a productive three-hour meeting. The discussions focused on expanding educational paths, internships, and research tie-ups via the CREST program. Professor Hussain shared a 10-year collaboration roadmap, which was highly praised by ASU Associate Vice Provost Jeff Goss. ASU leadership also accepted an invitation to attend the BEAR Summit 2026 next month in Dhaka.
The delegation wrapped up its Arizona activities by visiting Cactus Materials, founded by BUET alumnus and tech entrepreneur Dr. Rafiqul Islam, to discuss talent pipelines and global competitiveness. The team has now left for Silicon Valley for the next phase of the roadshow.
//DBTech/HA/EH//
