13/11/2025
North South University (NSU) has been selected to receive one graduate fellowship under the newly launched Center of Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technology (CREST), marking a significant milestone in the universityâs commitment to advancing semiconductor research in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has taken a defining step toward its semiconductor future with the launch of CREST â an initiative conceived, led, and driven by Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) committed to building the nationâs technological sovereignty.
Established under BASICS (Bangladesh Academy of Semiconductor Innovation and Curriculum Support) and aligned with the BEAR Summit (Biotech, Electronics, AI, and Robotics) vision, CREST reflects the collective aspiration of NRBs and local partners to position Bangladesh as a Silicon River â a source of innovation and global collaboration in semiconductor technology.
Supported by Neural Semiconductor Ltd. of Bangladesh and two global semiconductor leaders, CRESTâs first year will integrate 9 graduate fellowships from 7 leading institutions â BUET (3), DU, NSU, BRAC, UIU, UAP, and EWU â under the mentorship of 9 faculty members. These teams will collaborate with leading U.S. universities, including UC Berkeley, Purdue, and others.
The initiative also includes 6 national training centers targeting the training of 100 professionals in advanced semiconductor design. A virtual innovation hub, being jointly developed by MIST and BSIA, will serve as a digital ecosystem for networking, enrichment, and empowerment. This will host data of students and professionals, online courses for enrichment and networking opportunity with global and local semiconductor industries and NRB semiconductor experts.
CREST will focus on Low-Power Device Design, AI-Centric Circuits, Advanced Packaging, ReRAM for Automotive Applications, and Silicon Photonics â empowering Bangladesh to contribute meaningfully to the global semiconductor value chain.
âThis is more than a research center â it is the embodiment of NRBsâ vision to build Bangladeshâs place in deep technology,â said the organizers, reaffirming that global collaboration and homegrown talent will drive the nationâs innovation future.
