An unusual center for learning is taking shape in Bellevue. It’s a partnership between the University of Washington, Microsoft and Tsinghua University in China to build a school for innovation.

The University of Washington said this is the first time a Chinese research university has established a physical presence in the United States.

Microsoft is supporting the project with $40 million worth of investment, and the school will be located nearby Microsoft's Redmond campus. The school will be in Bellevue’s Spring District, which is under construction.

The goal of the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) is large.

“The problems we are trying to solve are global problems,” said Vikram Jandhyala, of the University of Washington. He co-heads the GIX. “Environment, health: No one country is going to be able to do this. And the two biggest economies right now are China and the U.S."