BRAC University Launches Landmark Semiconductor Research Centre

BRAC University Establishes National Research Centre for Semiconductors

In a transformative move for the nation’s technological landscape, BRAC University formally inaugurated the Centre of Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technology (CREST) on Monday. This ambitious national research hub was unveiled under the auspices of the "Silicon River Ecosystem," a strategic framework designed to integrate biotechnology, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics into a unified industrial core for Bangladesh. The ceremony drew an influential assembly of government officials, academic leaders, and representatives from the armed forces, alongside global expatriate experts, signaling a robust multi-sectoral commitment to elevating the country’s standing in the high-tech global market.

The university’s leadership emphasized that CREST is not merely an academic facility but a foundational pillar for a burgeoning "deep-tech" ecosystem. Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, noted that the centre will prioritise the cultivation of innovation-led human resources to meet national scientific goals. This vision is supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA), with Neural Semiconductor Ltd. serving as the primary industrial partner. Such collaboration is intended to bridge the traditional gap between university research and commercial export, ensuring that Bangladeshi-designed chips and VLSI systems can compete on the international stage.

One of the most significant aspects of the launch was the introduction of the inaugural CREST Fellowship, a programme designed to nurture the next generation of researchers. Ten exceptional students—eight postgraduates and two undergraduates—were selected from prestigious institutions including BUET, Dhaka University, and North South University. These fellows will work on advanced projects ranging from AI-centric chip design to materials science. Furthermore, the initiative is being bolstered by a "National Semiconductor Virtual Hub" known as BOOST, which will be developed under the leadership of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) to provide structured training and national infrastructure for the industry.

CREST National Research Specialisations

The project’s conceptual visionary, Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, remarked that Bangladesh now possesses the global trust and technical capability to build world-class technology brands. This sentiment was echoed by Mahbub Rashed, Vice President of GlobalFoundries, who highlighted that CREST is a timely response to shifting global supply chains. To ensure the sustainability of these innovations, the event concluded with a focus on intellectual property, where experts urged the government to draft comprehensive patent laws specifically for the semiconductor sector. This holistic approach—combining research, industry, and legal protection—marks the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh as it seeks to transition into a knowledge-based economy.