BSIA Silicon River USA Roadshow 2026 Continues in the Silicon Desert of Phoenix, Arizona
Following a successful launch in Austin, Texas, the BSIA Silicon River USA Roadshow 2026 continued in Phoenix, Arizona, one of America’s fastest-growing semiconductor hubs and increasingly known as the “Silicon Desert.”
The Phoenix chapter began on June 7 with a highly successful BRAINGAIN Reception that brought together more than 80 Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) semiconductor professionals representing over 30 global semiconductor companies. Collectively, the participants represented more than 1,600 years of semiconductor industry experience spanning design, manufacturing, packaging, testing, equipment, AI, and executive leadership.
Mr. Nokibul Islam Tapan, Director of Business Development at Stats ChipPAC (JCET), welcomed the BSIA delegation and highlighted the growing impact of Arizona’s semiconductor economy and its increasing importance in the global technology landscape. He emphasized the opportunities emerging from the rapid expansion of advanced packaging, testing, and semiconductor manufacturing activities in Arizona and encouraged greater engagement between Bangladesh and the global semiconductor industry.
BSIA President Mr. M. A. Jabbar thanked the Arizona community for hosting the delegation and called upon the diaspora to become active participants in Bangladesh’s semiconductor journey. He emphasized that the nation’s aspirations can only be achieved through collaboration among industry, academia, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and the global Bangladeshi community.
Veteran semiconductor professionals Mr. Zabir and Dr. Riyad presented the work of the Arizona Bangladeshi Semiconductor Society (ABSS), which has been operating as a volunteer-driven initiative to promote semiconductor education, workforce development, mentoring, and skills training in Bangladesh. Today, more than ten semiconductor professionals from Arizona are actively engaged in online training, mentorship, and technical guidance programs for Bangladeshi students and young engineers. Participation from both mentors and trainees continues to grow rapidly.
Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University and Chief Architect of the Silicon River Initiative delivered a keynote presentation outlining Bangladesh’s semiconductor vision, strategic priorities, ecosystem-building efforts, and recent progress. He challenged attendees to embrace bold ideas, think beyond conventional boundaries, and contribute to a coordinated national effort that transforms Bangladesh into a globally recognized deep-technology and semiconductor ecosystem.
Veteran NRB technology leader Dr. Rezaul Islam Pavel of IBM presented an insightful session on the growing role of Agentic AI and discussed how Bangladesh must prepare for a future in which intelligent autonomous systems will increasingly influence semiconductor design, manufacturing, business operations, and innovation.
Representing the Government of Bangladesh, Consul General Mr. Qazi Muhammad Jabed Iqbal of the Consulate General of Bangladesh in Los Angeles highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting semiconductor development, technology-driven growth, and international partnerships.
Following Maghrib prayer and dinner, participants engaged with presentations from Cactus Materials, DSi, Neural Semiconductor Ltd., iTest, Ulkasemi, and ChipMentors, showcasing emerging opportunities, technical capabilities, and future collaboration pathways.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Syed Zaki Huda, President of the Bangladesh Association of Arizona (BAAZ) and Lead Software Engineer at New Relic. Mr. Huda congratulated BSIA, Silicon River, BRAINGAIN, and the Arizona Bangladeshi semiconductor community for bringing together professionals from across industry and academia. He emphasized the importance of sustained community engagement, mentorship, and collaboration in helping Bangladesh achieve its long-term technology aspirations and welcomed continued partnerships between Arizona and Bangladesh.
The event was organized under the leadership of veteran semiconductor professional Mr. Noor Jamil Sarwar, whose efforts were instrumental in bringing together Arizona’s vibrant Bangladeshi semiconductor community.
On June 8, the delegation visited Arizona State University (ASU), where an extensive three-hour discussion was held regarding future collaboration between Bangladesh and the university.
The discussions resulted in a mutual commitment to expand educational engagement with Bangladesh through increased admission opportunities for Bangladeshi students, internship pathways, research collaboration, and formal engagement with the CREST program.
Professor Hussain presented a comprehensive ten-year roadmap outlining potential areas of collaboration between ASU and Bangladesh. The roadmap emphasized student mobility, workforce development, research partnerships, faculty engagement, entrepreneurship, and long-term ecosystem building. The proposal was highly appreciated by ASU leadership, including Associate Vice Provost Jeff Goss.
ASU leadership also accepted an invitation to participate in BEAR Summit 2026, which will be held next month in Dhaka.
The delegation concluded its Arizona activities with a visit to Cactus Materials, founded by BUET alumnus and distinguished semiconductor entrepreneur Dr. Rafiqul Islam. Discussions focused on the growing talent pipeline emerging from Bangladesh and the increasingly competitive global race among nations seeking to become the world’s next semiconductor hub.
Dr. Islam shared valuable perspectives on global competitiveness, workforce readiness, and the challenges associated with securing a place among the world’s leading semiconductor ecosystems.
The delegation departed Arizona for Silicon Valley, where the next phase of the Silicon River USA Roadshow 2026 will continue with industry meetings, university engagements, and BRAINGAIN activities.
