The university was established according to the program for technical education in the Russian Empire set up by Dmitry Mendeleev as a Practical Technological Institute , with two departments (mechanical and chemical) which could offer training to 125 daltai.
Inyuvesi yasungulwa ngokusho isimiso imfundo lobuchwepheshe eMbusweni Russian kumiswe Dmitry Mendeleev njengoba Esiwusizo Technological Institute, neminyango emibili (mechanical futhi amakhemikhali) okuyinto ayengawunikela ukuqeqeshwa ukuze 125 abafundi.