Engineering for Industry. That’s the English translation of the motto of the École de technologie supérieure. It’s a fitting phrase for an institution deeply rooted in applied learning and technological advancement.
Founded in 1974, the École de technologie supérieure or ÉTS has grown from a small school with 28 students to a major engineering university. It is a public research university in Montreal. ÉTS is affiliated with the Université du Québec system.
Back in 1974, ÉTS opened its doors on Rue Sainte-Catherine. It offered programs in mechanics and electricity. The following year, the ÉTS Student Association was born. Just three years later, the first 14 graduates received their diplomas. These graduates earned a Bachelor of Technology degree.
The university expanded its offerings in 1989. Bachelor’s degrees in construction technology and automated production were introduced. That same year, the Mini-Baja ÉTS student club was founded. A year later, ÉTS offered degrees in construction engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and automated production engineering. These programs gained accreditation from the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board in 1990.
ÉTS continued to evolve. A master’s program in systems technology was launched in 1991. The Center for Technological Entrepreneurship opened in 1994. Student involvement grew with the creation of the Student Grouping Program for International Cooperation.
The late 1990s and early 2000s brought significant changes. Student residences were inaugurated in 1998. Doctoral degrees in engineering were first awarded in 2000. The first research chair, focusing on wireless telecommunications, was established in 2001. The Sports Center formed the Les Piranhas club that same year.
More departments and pavilions opened. The Department of Software Engineering and Information Technology Engineering was established. Pavilion B was inaugurated in 2004. A major expansion of the main pavilion was completed in 2007. ÉTS adopted a sustainable development policy in 2008.
In 2015, the Student House or Pavilion E opened. The former Dow Planetarium was renovated in 2018. The technology business accelerator Centech moved there. ÉTS adopted an urban development plan to integrate the campus into the surrounding neighborhood. In 2021, ÉTS achieved carbon neutrality.
Today, the main ÉTS address is 1100 Notre-Dame Street West. It sits in Montreal’s Griffintown. The campus occupies the site of a former O’Keefe Brewery. Pavilions A, B, D, and E house educational programs and research activities. Underground tunnels connect the buildings.
Inside Pavilion A, you’ll find the library. You’ll also find the registrar’s office and the Dean of Studies. The departments of construction engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering are here.
Pavilion B at 1111 Notre-Dame Street West houses Coop ÉTS. You can grab a coffee at Tim Hortons or a bite at Le 100 Génies Resto-pub. There is also an IT service counter, a daycare center, and the Sports Centre.
Pavilion D is located at 1219 William Street. This is the home of the student association, AÉÉTS. Many student groups and organizations are also found here.
Pavilion E, the Maison des étudiants, is at 1220 Notre-Dame Street West. This is where the office of student life resides. ÉTS Continuing Education is located here, too.
ÉTS offers a wide array of programs. The school is known for its cooperative education approach. The bachelor’s programs are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. ÉTS graduates the largest number of engineers in Quebec each year. It ranks second in Canada for engineering degrees awarded. Students can specialize in construction, electrical, computer, software, mechanical, production, and industrial engineering.
ÉTS is also home to many student-run technical clubs. These clubs compete internationally. One club developed the world’s fastest human-powered submarine, Omer. Other projects include autonomous underwater vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and solar-powered cars.
The École de technologie supérieure continues to be a hub of innovation. It stands as a testament to engineering. It contributes significantly to Quebec’s technological landscape.