Brac University Launches CREST to Power Bangladesh’s Chip Future

Brac University has launched a new specialised research centre to support the growth of Bangladesh’s semiconductor industry, as the country looks to build capacity in advanced hardware and deep-tech innovation.

The Center of Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technology (CREST) was formally inaugurated on Monday (December 29) at Brac University. 

The opening ceremony was organised under the umbrella of the Silicon River Ecosystem, a national framework aimed at integrating biotechnology, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in Bangladesh.

According to a Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) press release, the event was attended by representatives from the government, universities, industry, the armed forces and Bangladeshi experts from abroad.

Brac University Vice-Chancellor Syed Ferhat Anwar delivered the opening address, reaffirming the university’s commitment to advancing modern research, developing innovation-driven human resources and supporting national priorities in science and technology. 

He expressed hope that Brac University, as the host institution, would serve as a key academic pillar for Bangladesh’s emerging semiconductor and deep-tech ecosystem.

The chief guest at the ceremony was Md Anwar Hossain, secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology. 

The keynote speech was delivered by BSIA president and Neural Semiconductor Ltd managing director MA Jabbar, who underscored the importance of building domestic capability, strengthening industry–academia collaboration and developing an export-oriented semiconductor industry. Neural Semiconductor Ltd is the lead industry partner for CREST.

Conceived as a national research hub, CREST will focus on advanced semiconductor technologies, including AI-centric chip design, very-large-scale integration (VLSI) systems, robotics, materials science, packaging and testing, and next-generation hardware platforms.

In a special video message, GlobalFoundries Vice President Mahbub Rashed highlighted the need for a coherent national vision, strong university–industry linkages and long-term investment in research talent. 

He described CREST as a timely and strategically sound initiative in light of global semiconductor trends and shifting supply-chain realities.

At the event, the first cohort of CREST fellowships was announced. Under the programme, eight postgraduate and two undergraduate students will work throughout the year on nine advanced semiconductor research topics under faculty supervision.

The fellows are - Md Shajol Al Mamun (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology – BUET), Akif Hamid (United International University), KM Mehedi Hasan (East West University), Md Sharif Uddin (University of Asia Pacific), Ishmam Hossain (North South University), Priyanka Das (Brac University), Junaid Jalil (BUET), Md Khalid Hossain (BUET), Afsana Anjum Akhi (University of Dhaka), and Sheikh Tariful Islam (BUET)

Winners of the BEAR Summit competition were also honoured. Recognising the innovative ideas and creativity of students and young professionals, BSIA awarded each winner a prize of Tk 5,000.

The event was told that Bangladesh’s National Semiconductor Virtual Hub – BOOST – will be developed under the leadership of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST). In a video message, MIST Commandant Major General Nasim Parvez outlined the institute’s role in structured manpower development, national training infrastructure and implementation-oriented activities.

The Silicon River vision and CREST initiative have been designed by Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University in the United States. 

He said Bangladesh has the capacity to generate impactful ideas, deliver on implementation and build globally trusted, world-class technology brands.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr Upama Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Dhaka. She acknowledged the combined efforts of universities, industry, government bodies and expatriate Bangladeshi experts in bringing CREST to life, and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration, mentorship and institutional commitment to nurture the next generation of researchers and innovators.

A panel discussion followed the opening session on “Patent Law and Intellectual Property Protection: Safeguarding Innovation in a Knowledge-Based Economy.” 

Professor Md Golam Samdani Fakir moderated the session. Panellists included Professor Syed Mahbubur Rahman of Brac Business School; Ashok Kumar Roy, director (industrial design) at the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks; Professor Dilara Afroz Khan of London Churchill College, University of Essex; and intellectual property law expert Taslima Jahan.

Speakers recommended formulating a dedicated policy to protect intellectual property related to innovation in the semiconductor sector through joint efforts by all stakeholders.