Diversity

The Global Innovation Exchange welcomes people from all cultural and academic backgrounds. We embrace differences and view diversity from a very broad perspective.

I enjoy the learning environment at GIX; it is a very unique experience and it has broadened my horizons. Diversity is one of the fundamental values of the MSTI culture, our classmates come from ten different countries and regions around the world, and we all come from diverse academic backgrounds. We have different career goals and passions. GIX unites us together, and helps us become the future leaders in innovation.

Justin Ho, MSTI Student and Maker Space Technician

All Over the World

Our alumni and students come from 18 countries and regions around the world: United States, Canada, Colombia, France, Portugal, Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Paraguay, Estonia, Russia, Pakistan, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan. Each student brings unique insights into GIX. Through a project-based learning model, students, researchers, and industry professionals collaborate to create solutions to global challenges such as health, sustainability, and social equity. Our goal is to have GIX be top of mind for innovators, learners, and dreamers looking for a place to bring their drive, creativity, and desire to make an impact on the world.

Various Academic Backgrounds

Our students come from a variety of professional backgrounds: computer science, engineering, design, business, social sciences, science, math, etc.

The interdisciplinary curriculum of GIX and project-based coursework teaches students to take an innovative idea from concept to development and on to launch. The interplay between design thinking, technology development, and entrepreneurship prepares students to contribute solutions to a range of global challenges and business needs. Industry and nonprofit partners help identify challenges and provide ongoing mentoring and support to a global student cohort, driving solutions from idea to impact.

GIX extends far beyond the walls of its Seattle region building, attracting innovators and encouraging collaboration across borders and disciplines.

Diverse Academic Disciplines

GIX brings top faculty and learners from across disciplines and around the world to work in close collaboration with industry partners and leading entrepreneurs from diverse industries. Our teaching faculty comes from the following departments at the University of Washington:

Human Centered Design & Engineering
Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Michael G. Foster School of Business
School of Law

Diversity Statement

The Global Innovation Exchange welcomes people from all backgrounds. Our community celebrates differences and views diversity from a very broad perspective. Our definition of diversity includes, but is not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, ability, and age, as well as nationality, academic discipline, and professional experience.

Diversity Committee

The Diversity Committee at GIX consists of faculty, staff, and students. The committee plans for and hosts events to bring people together.

Weekly Tea Time

The weekly tea time offers special opportunities for GIX students to socialize with each other and with employees at the start-up companies that are incubated in our facility.