The history of Harcourt Butler Technical University dates back to the 1920s when there was a growing realization of the need for advancement in science and technology among the people of what was then called the United Provinces.
On 25 November 1921, the then governor of the United Provinces, Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler (1869-1938), K.C.S.I., C.I.E., formally laid the foundation of the present main (administration) building.