The institute is jointly founded by the Shanghai Center of Biomedicine Development and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. As China's first pioneering product development and translation institute dedicated to global health, the institute will leverage its unique non-profit positioning to address major global health challenges in low- and middle-income countries, including tuberculosis, malaria, and maternal and child health. By providing technical support and resources to global partners, the institute will facilitate the development and translation of innovative products and accelerate their global market access, aiming to improve the health and well-being of those living in low- and middle-income countries and advance global health equity. The initial five-year program funding for the institute is jointly provided by Shanghai and the Gates Foundation, with the Gates Foundation offering a grant and technical support and Shanghai providing corresponding funds and resources.

Representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission and other relevant departments, Gates Foundation, ShanghaiTech University, and other academic institutions, PATH and other international organizations, attended the launch ceremony.