The history of H.B.T.I., Kanpur, dates back to the growing realization of the need for advancement in science and technology among the people of what was then called the United Provinces. The Indian Industrial Commission at its Nainital meeting in 1907 proposed two institutions -- one at Roorkee for engineering and the other at Kanpur.

Thus, with an objective to boost entrepreneurship, accelerate industrial development, to create a sound environment for contemporary applied research and to inculcate scientific and technical temper, an Institute called `Government Research Institute, Cawnpore' was started in 1920. Initially it was housed in two spacious rooms of what was called SHER WALI KOTHI. The old majestic building is still intact at the north-west corner of the Company Bagh crossing, Nawabganj. Dr. Annett was the then principal of Opium Research Laboratory of which the new Institute was an adjunct.

In 1921, after a lengthy hot debate in the UP Assembly, the then Minister for Industry Mr. C. Y. Chintamani secured an extra dose of fund for the institute. Classes soon began in the Institute. The same year it was renamed Government Technological Institute, United Provinces, Cawnpore. On 25th of November, 1921 the Governor of the United Provinces, Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler, K.C.S.I., C.I.E., formally laid the foundation of the present building. The name of the Institute was finally changed to the present one in 1926. It has retained its name and reputation ever since.