On October 18, 2023, Shanghai Jiao Tong University held a grand ceremony at its Minhang campus to mark the commencement of the construction of the Jiahe Building. The event was graced by prominent government officials including Chen Huawen, Deputy Secretary and District Head of Minhang District, Zhao Liang, Standing Committee Member and Deputy District Head, Chen Gao, Deputy Director of the District People's Congress, and Cai Yihui, Vice Chairman of the District Political Consultative Conference. The university also welcomed alumni representatives such as Cheng Minghe, co-founder of Mindray Medical, and leaders from renowned medical equipment enterprises.

University dignitaries included President and Deputy Party Secretary Ding Kuiling, former Party Secretaries Wang Zongguang and Ma Dexiu, former President Xie Shengwu, Standing Committee Member and Vice President Zhang Ansheng, Standing Committee Member and Vice President Xu Xuemin, Deputy Party Secretary Lin Lita, and Vice President Zhang Zhaoguo. Esteemed guests like Academician Chen Yazhu of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Fellow Yang Guangzhong of the UK Royal Academy of Engineering also attended, along with faculty and student representatives. Vice President Zhang Ansheng presided over the ceremony.

President Ding Kuiling, in his speech, lauded the accomplishments of the School of Biomedical Engineering in areas like academic construction, talent cultivation, research achievements, and meeting national demands. He emphasized that the Jiahe Building would lay a strong foundation for future research and talent nurturing in biomedical engineering, aligning with national strategic science and technology initiatives.

Secretary Chen Jiangping elaborated on the preparatory work for the Jiahe Building and expressed gratitude to all supporters. He conveyed the school's determination to expedite the construction and fulfill its innovative academic aspirations.

Zeng Qun, Vice President of the Tongji University Architectural Design Institute, shared the architectural vision for the Jiahe Building. Centered on "integration" and "infinity," the design encapsulates the essence of scientific research, combining artistry and innovation.

Alumnus Cheng Minghe recounted his academic journey at the university and called upon students to persevere in their studies. He expressed joy in contributing to his alma mater and urged fellow alumni to collectively push the university towards global prominence.

Concluding the ceremony, District Head Chen Huawen articulated the significance of the Jiahe Building for Minhang District's development. He highlighted the building's role in propelling the local biomedical and medical equipment industries and expressed optimism for enhanced collaborations with the university.

The ceremony culminated in a foundation stone-laying ritual, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter.

It's reported that the Jiahe Building spans an area of nearly 16,000 square meters, with a construction area of 4.3 million square meters. The five-story structure, with two basement levels, is strategically located adjacent to the National Major Scientific Infrastructure for Translational Medicine and the university's administrative center. Primarily, it will serve as a hub for the School of Biomedical Engineering, offering research platforms, teaching labs, office spaces, and shared areas, aiming to foster an open, smart, and flexible working and learning environment.