Bangladesh Builds Bridges to Global Chip Industry Through Silicon Valley Roadshow

Bangladesh has showcased its growing capabilities at the heart of the global high-tech and semiconductor industry through the successful completion of the Silicon Valley chapter of the “BSIA Silicon River USA Roadshow 2026.” The high-impact mission, organized by the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA), featured strategic engagements with leading semiconductor manufacturers, world-renowned research institutions, venture capitalists, and prominent Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) technology professionals working in the United States.

The delegation was led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, widely regarded as the chief architect of the Silicon River Bangladesh initiative. He was accompanied by senior BSIA leaders and representatives from leading Bangladeshi technology companies. Throughout the tour, the delegation promoted a long-term roadmap aimed at transforming Bangladesh into a global “Nation of Innovation.”

Strategic Engagements with SanDisk and GlobalFoundries

On June 9, the delegation visited the headquarters of SanDisk, one of the world’s leading memory-chip manufacturers. A lengthy meeting was held with Senior Vice President Matt Crowley and Vice President Dipanshu Dutta, during which the delegation toured the company’s advanced research and development facilities and presented a proposed five-year collaboration framework.

The proposed partnership covers semiconductor workforce development, advanced packaging and testing, storage-system validation, reliability engineering, AI-driven infrastructure, digital twins, and future workforce development and research through the CREST initiative. Following the discussions, SanDisk formed an internal committee to assess Bangladesh’s capabilities and explore potential collaboration.

Later the same day, the delegation visited semiconductor giant GlobalFoundries, where they were welcomed by Vice President (DTCO) Dr. Mahbub Rashed. Bangladeshi companies presented portfolios highlighting semiconductor design, advanced electronics, health technology, and AI-based products.

One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was GlobalFoundries’ decision to include two Bangladeshi companies as primary vendors. The delegation also proposed establishing an Advanced Packaging Design & Research Center in Bangladesh through collaboration among leading global universities and industry partners.

Synopsys and CREDO Focus on Future Workforce Development

On June 10, the delegation met with Ron Duncan, Chief Innovation Officer of Synopsys, a global leader in chip-design software. Several notable developments emerged from the discussions.

Synopsys agreed to send a high-level delegation to the upcoming BEAR Summit 2026, facilitate easier and more affordable participation of Bangladeshi universities in the Synopsys Academic Research Alliance (SARA), and launch the BSIA-SICIP program to train 3,500 Bangladeshi engineers in world-class chip design.

Among the most significant achievements was progress toward establishing a Manufacturing Design Kit (MDK) Center, involving Synopsys, global technology companies, and leading universities. The center is expected to support next-generation advanced packaging and AI-driven design capabilities in Bangladesh.

Later that day, the delegation visited CREDO, a leading high-speed connectivity company, where discussions led by Associate Vice President Dr. Shatil Haque focused on building a collaborative ecosystem around semiconductor design and high-speed connectivity technologies.

Engagements with Intel and Arm

On June 11, the delegation visited Intel Corporation, where a large number of accomplished Bangladeshi technology professionals working at Intel participated in the program under the leadership of Dr. Mahbub Majumdar. Additional professionals joined virtually from various U.S. states.

Professor Hussain delivered a presentation outlining Bangladesh’s achievements and future ambitions in the semiconductor sector.

The same day, the delegation met with representatives of Arm, the globally renowned processor architecture company. Led by Dr. Syed Badruddoza, Director of Research and Development at NXP, discussions focused on AI-powered computing, advanced system design, and Arm’s potential long-term partnership in supporting Bangladesh’s technology roadmap.

Brain Gain and Global Investment Opportunities

Following the Silicon Valley engagements, the delegation traveled to Sacramento to attend the Sacramento BRAINGAIN Reception, hosted by veteran semiconductor professional Touhid Rahman. Approximately 150 Bangladeshi technology professionals pledged mentorship, investment, and strategic support to strengthen Bangladesh’s technology ecosystem.

On the evening of June 11, the delegation participated in the Silicon River Banquet Reception, where Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the United States, Tareq Ariful Islam, attended as chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, the ambassador said, “BRAINGAIN will be our driving intellect, while Silicon River will be the engine that transforms Bangladesh into a Nation of Innovation.”

BSIA President M. A. Jabbar highlighted progress achieved through collaboration with the Bangladeshi diaspora over the past 18 months, while Dr. Anisul Khan presented the vision and framework of the Silicon River initiative. Professor Hussain urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and focus on implementation.

Partnerships with YES and UC Berkeley

On June 12, the delegation visited Yield Engineering Systems (YES) and held discussions with Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Zia Karim regarding collaboration in equipment engineering, assembly, and advanced packaging infrastructure.

The delegation concluded its tour with a visit to UC Berkeley SkyDeck, where discussions focused on providing Bangladeshi innovators with training, preparatory workshops, and opportunities to present before international venture capitalists. The parties also explored hosting a Bangladesh-focused Innovation Showcase to facilitate global co-investment opportunities.

Growing Global Interest in Bangladesh

Technology experts believe the successful roadshow demonstrates rapidly growing international interest in Bangladesh’s semiconductor, advanced packaging, and artificial intelligence sectors.

With initiatives such as Silicon River, BRAINGAIN, CREST, and the BEAR Summit, Bangladesh is laying the foundation for a technology-driven future in which the country can emerge as a significant partner in the global semiconductor and advanced technology ecosystem.

//DBTech/HA/EK/OR//