University of Washington opens GIX facility on Microsoft campus

The University of Washington (UW) has opened its first permanent, full-time location on Microsoft’s Redmond campus. The site will house the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX), an interdisciplinary institute focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

Microsoft is supporting the move through a $42 million in-kind contribution, which includes a rent-free lease of a 48,500-square-foot facility in Building 92. The new space features six classrooms, specialized laboratories, prototyping facilities, and a distance-learning studio. The arrangement aims to foster collaboration between academic research and industry application, allowing students to learn from faculty and Microsoft employees.

GIX, which originally debuted in 2015 as a partnership between UW and Tsinghua University, operates as a self-sustaining unit. The program supports over 150 students annually through its Master of Science in Technology Innovation and various professional development initiatives.