'BEAR Summit 2026' Kicks Off at Novotheatre Today

An 8th generation 'bear' has arrived in the country this monsoon! Beyond the 7 known mammalian species of the carnivora order, the 'BEAR' summit is set to return for its second edition at the capital’s Novotheatre this morning on Saturday, July 25, led by Bangladesh's innovative researchers, entrepreneurs, and youth. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is inaugurating the 'National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR Summit 2026', focusing on Biotech, Electronics, AI, and Robotics (BEAR) originating from riverine Bangladesh.

The inaugural ceremony on stage will feature Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapon, ICT Division Advisor Rehan Asad, BSIA President M. A. Jabbar, and Science and Technology Secretary M. Anowar Hossain as special guests.

The keynote address at the event will be delivered by Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain from Purdue University, USA, who is the convener of the long-term Semiconductor and Deep-Tech Strategy formulation for the country. This edition brings together 93 'BEAR Patrons' from 36 universities across the country alongside 36 new faces from ONE Bangladesh. Terming them as the 'Face of Future Bangladesh', Professor Mustafa Hussain said, "Many ask me how I envision earning $150 billion annually by 2035. These bright faces have been working alongside me for the past month. The only mantra was—think deeply, showcase your highest level of creativity, and ensure every drop of caffeine yields 100% efficiency."

Highlighting the immense potential of the nation's youth, he posed the question: "A workforce of 65 million youth has 30 years of professional life ahead, InshaAllah. If they become the visionary minds behind semiconductor, biotechnology, electronics, artificial intelligence, and robotics, why wouldn't the whole world chase after those minds? Why wouldn't people seek out the brilliant solutions developed by them?"

Drawing parallels with Silicon Valley, he added, "Look at Silicon Valley. See how a small number of people with deep, creative thinking drive massive global technological revolutions. Match that with their dollar value. Then tell me, is $150 billion just a pipe dream? Almighty Allah will surely aid us, InshaAllah; otherwise, I would never have been standing here today after first coining the term 'Silicon River' last August. InshaAllah."

Jointly organized by the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA), the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Silicon River Bangladesh, the summit brings together policymakers, global semiconductor industry top executives, researchers, entrepreneurs, university representatives, investors, startup founders, and expatriate Bangladeshi experts. According to the organizers, the entire event will be broadcast live via the official Facebook pages of 'BEAR 2026 Bangladesh' and the 'Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association'.

Meanwhile, as part of the preparations for the two-day summit, a Lightning Talk Session was hosted on Friday at United International University (UIU). It featured tech luminaries including VSPA Chairman Bich-Yen Thi Tran and Distinguished Engineer of Technology Development at SanDisk, Jayavel Pachamuthu. In the plenary session, Texas Instruments Chief Technology Officer Dr. Ahmed Bahai and Purdue University Online Senior Vice President Dr. Dimitrios Peroulis shared their vast experiences. Additionally, former Vice President of Applied Materials Anisul Khan, Associate Vice President of Credo Shotil Haq, Arizona State University Professor Terry Alford, NXP Semiconductors R&D Director Syed Badruddoza, and YES Chief Technology Officer M. Ziaul Karim, among others, are participating in the event.
//DBTech/IH/EDP//