Groundbreaking ceremony for GIX's first building

Bellevue, Washington, September 23, 2016 (Beijing, September 24, 2016)– Tsinghua University and the University of Washington unveiled a commemorative plaque in honor of the groundbreaking of the Global Innovative Exchange's first building in Seattle. President Qiu of Tsinghua University, President Cauce of the University of Washington, Governor Jay Inslee, Consul General Luo Linquan, and Mary Snapp, Corporate  Vice President of Microsoft Corporation made remarks, while over 200 guests from academic, political and business circles in China and the US witnessed the moment. This ceremony took place on September 23rd, exactly one year since Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his support and presented GIX with a metasequoia.

The bronze commemorative plaque is inscribed with dedicatory words from the presidents of both universities. President Qiu says in Chinese: "Facing up to the future challenges of mankind, joining hands to cultivate global innovative talents", and Cauce states that GIX is "A partnership of innovators creating solutions to our world's greatest challenges".

At the ceremony, after Dow Constantine, King County Executive, made brief remarks, John Stokes, Mayor of Bellevue City, presented the road sign "Global Innovation Exchange" to GIX. The first Chinese road sign issued by the city, it will be posted on the main roads leading to GIX, highlighting municipal support for innovation and cooperation with Tsinghua University.

Founded by Tsinghua University, the University of Washington, and Microsoft in June 2015, GIX is the first time a Chinese research university has established a physical presence in the United States. The first group of GIX students began their studies at Tsinghua University in September 2016. GIX currently has a double master degree program for connected devices, and will launch more degree programs and research programs in the future.