A new wave of technological revolution-driven by advances in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and life sciences-is profoundly reshaping human life and societal progress. These progresses advocate for a coordinated strategy integrating education, technology, and talent development. The Global Institute of Future Technology (GIFT) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of the first 12 Future Technology Institutes recognized by the Ministry of Education and was officially established in August 2021. GIFT is the first in the country to launch two new undergraduate programs in“Sustainable Energy”and“Health Science and Technology.”It has built a student-centered, excellence-driven education framework across undergraduate, master, and doctoral levels.

The institute collaborates closely with SJTU's traditional strengths in science, engineering, biomedical sciences, and management, working to establish large-scale, interdisciplinary research centers, and promoting an innovative model to accelerate technology commercialization. This provides the innovation engine, talent foundation, and transformation pathway to foster new productive forces and advance economic and social development. The institute's motto is: “Profound in Knowledge, Progressive with the Times.”“Profound in Knowledge”originates from The Doctrine of the Mean, symbolizing depth of wisdom and cultural inclusiveness.“Progressive with the Times”is drawn from SJTU's sundial inscription, reflecting a commitment to excellence and adaptability in a changing world. The institute is named the Global Institute of Future Technology (GIFT), symbolizing a dedicated faculty cultivating gifted individuals with care and vision. GIFT is committed to breaking boundaries in learning, disciplines, and institutions, and to building a globally influential, China-rooted model of industry-education integration. Its mission is to nurture strategic, globally-minded leaders for future industries.