Demand for appropriately groomed skilled engineers and experts has never been higher than now when humanity is rapidly advancing, powered by artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology. Semiconductor provides the pivotal dynamics. Yet, the semiconductor industry in Bangladesh faces a significant challenge-developing a skilled workforce. An academia-industry interface is imperative for a breakthrough.
From my experience, I see two primary reasons for this drawback: a lack of awareness about career opportunities in the sector and insufficient education and training focused specifically on semiconductors. If we don't address these gaps, we risk falling behind in one of the most vital industries of the future.
A growing demand for semiconductor talents: Semiconductors are the cornerstone of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to supercomputers. As this industry evolves, the demand for skilled engineers is growing globally. However, Bangladesh remains largely disconnected from this critical sector, missing out on opportunities to contribute to the global semiconductor-supply chain.
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), Bangladesh's private universities host around 350,000 students, 44 per cent of them enrolled in engineering and technology programmes. Institutions like BUET, RUET, KUET, and CUET, and 17 science and technology universities accommodate over 57,000 students. Despite this promising talent pool, most engineering graduates are drawn to careers in the power sector, rather than semiconductors. This shift is mainly for a lack of exposure to semiconductor design, insufficient access to industry-standard tools, and a lack of specialized VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) courses.
Bridging the gap: Ulkasemi's commitment to semiconductor education: As the pioneer of Bangladesh's semiconductor industry, Ulkasemi is taking proactive steps to tackle these challenges. Over the years, we have trained around 450 engineers, a noteworthy achievement but still far from meeting the demand. To address this, we have launched several initiatives to transform students into capable semiconductor professionals.
One such initiative is our industrial training programme, which provides hands-on experience in semiconductor design. We have collaborated with leading institutions like BUET, RUET, SUST, and various other engineering colleges to offer students the technical expertise required for success in this field. We also established VLSITHON, an annual competition launched in 2022 to promote VLSI education. This event has gained nationwide recognition, inspiring students to pursue careers in semiconductor design. VLSITHON 2.0 saw participation from 235 students across 20 universities, competing in categories such as RTL (Register Transfer Level) and Analog Design. This competition encourages innovation, helping in cultivating the next generation of semiconductor experts.
Breaking the barriers: semiconductor education beyond EEE
A common misconception is that only Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) graduates can excel in semiconductor chip design. In reality, students from Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Applied Physics, and Physics backgrounds can also succeed in this field, as long as they have a strong foundation in logic design and analytical thinking. To support this, Ulkasemi launched Ulkasemi Vlogs, an online resource-providing industry insights, role-specific knowledge, and expert guidance to help students navigate their semiconductor education.
Raising awareness: To raise awareness and generate interest in semiconductors, Ulkasemi regularly hosts seminars, workshops, and university campaigns. These initiatives have been crucial in attracting both students and faculty members to VLSI design. We have expanded these efforts beyond Dhaka to engineering universities in other regions, ensuring that semiconductor education reaches a broader audience.
AI vs human ingenuity: With the rise of artificial intelligence, there is growing concern that machines will replace humans in jobs. However, I believe that those who adapt, innovate, and embrace new challenges will always find a place in the workforce. Education is no longer enough-students must actively seek out specialized skills, such as semiconductor design, to stay competitive in the ever-evolving job market. As I often say, "Those who work hard and adapt to changing times will lead the future."
Way forward: For Bangladesh to establish itself in the global semiconductor industry, we must rethink our approach to technical education. Universities need to integrate semiconductor-focused courses into their curriculum, invest in cutting-edge tools, and train instructors who can mentor the next generation of engineers. At the same time, industry leaders must step forward to provide real-world training and opportunities for aspiring students.
At Ulkasemi, we are committed to playing our part. But for Bangladesh to truly succeed in the semiconductor industry, collaboration is the key. Academia, industry, and policymakers must work together to pave the way for a smarter, more technologically advanced Bangladesh.
Only through these collective efforts can we ensure a semiconductor-driven future for the country.
The writer is CEO and President of ULKASEMI
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