DHAKA : Following a successful launch in Austin, Texas, the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) continued its Silicon River USA Roadshow 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, a rapidly expanding semiconductor hub often referred to as the "Silicon Desert."

The Arizona chapter commenced on June 7 with a well-attended BRAINGAIN Reception, bringing together more than 80 Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) semiconductor professionals from over 30 global semiconductor companies. Collectively, participants represented more than 1,600 years of industry experience across semiconductor design, manufacturing, packaging, testing, equipment, artificial intelligence, and executive leadership, said a press release here today.

Welcoming the BSIA delegation, Nokibul Islam Tapan, Director of Business Development at Stats ChipPAC (JCET), highlighted Arizona's growing significance in the global semiconductor landscape.

 He emphasized emerging opportunities in advanced packaging, testing, and semiconductor manufacturing and encouraged stronger collaboration between Bangladesh and the international semiconductor industry.

BSIA President M. A. Jabbar expressed appreciation to the Arizona community for hosting the delegation and urged members of the Bangladeshi diaspora to play an active role in advancing Bangladesh's semiconductor ambitions. 

He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among industry, academia, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and expatriate professionals.

Representatives of the Arizona Bangladeshi Semiconductor Society (ABSS), including veteran professionals Zabir and Dr. Riyad, showcased the organization's ongoing efforts in semiconductor education, workforce development, mentoring, and skills training for Bangladesh. 

Photo: BSS

They noted that more than ten Arizona-based semiconductor experts are currently engaged in mentoring and technical guidance programmes for Bangladeshi students and young engineers.

A keynote presentation by Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University and Chief Architect of the Silicon River Initiative outlined Bangladesh's semiconductor strategy, ecosystem-building efforts, and future priorities.

 He called on participants to embrace innovation and contribute to building a globally competitive deep-technology ecosystem in Bangladesh.

Adding a forward-looking perspective, Dr. Rezaul Islam Pavel of IBM discussed the growing influence of Agentic AI and its potential impact on semiconductor design, manufacturing, business operations, and technological innovation. He emphasized the need for Bangladesh to prepare for an AI-driven future.

Representing the Government of Bangladesh, Qazi Muhammad Jabed Iqbal, Consul General of Bangladesh in Los Angeles, reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting semiconductor development, technology-driven growth, and international partnerships.

Photo: BSS

The evening also featured presentations from Cactus Materials, DSi, Neural Semiconductor Ltd., iTest, Ulkasemi, and ChipMentors, highlighting emerging opportunities, technical capabilities, and avenues for future collaboration.

The event concluded with remarks from Syed Zaki Huda, President of the Bangladesh Association of Arizona (BAAZ) and Lead Software Engineer at New Relic. 

He praised the collaborative efforts of BSIA, Silicon River, BRAINGAIN, and Arizona's Bangladeshi semiconductor community in fostering stronger industry-academia engagement and supporting Bangladesh's long-term technology goals.

Photo: BSS

The programme was organized under the leadership of veteran semiconductor professional Noor Jamil Sarwar, whose efforts were instrumental in mobilizing Arizona's Bangladeshi semiconductor network.

On June 8, the delegation visited Arizona State University (ASU), where extensive discussions focused on expanding cooperation with Bangladesh. 

The talks resulted in a mutual commitment to strengthen educational engagement through increased admission opportunities for Bangladeshi students, internship pathways, research collaborations, and participation in ASU's CREST programme.

Professor Hussain presented a comprehensive ten-year collaboration roadmap covering student mobility, workforce development, faculty engagement, entrepreneurship, and research partnerships. 

The proposal received strong support from ASU leadership, including Associate Vice Provost Jeff Goss.

ASU officials also accepted an invitation to participate in the BEAR Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in Dhaka next month.

The delegation concluded its Arizona visit with a tour of Cactus Materials, founded by Dr. Rafiqul Islam, a BUET alumnus and semiconductor entrepreneur. 

Photo: BSS

Discussions centered on Bangladesh's growing talent pool and the increasing global competition among countries seeking to establish themselves as major semiconductor hubs.

The delegation has now departed for Silicon Valley, where the next phase of the Silicon River USA Roadshow 2026 will continue through industry meetings, university engagements, and BRAINGAIN networking activities.