The Technical University of Loja was founded by the Marist Ecuadorian Association (AME) on 3 May 1971. Officially recognized by the Ecuadorian State under the Executive Decree 646, published in Official Gazette no. 217 of May 5, 1971, with which it is constituted as an autonomous legal entity under the agreement "Modus Vivendi" between the Holy See and Ecuador, taking into account the rules of the Church in their organization and government. UTPL is an autonomous institution with social and public purposes and can provide education, develop scientific research and administrative freedom, and participate in national development plans, grant, recognize and revalidate academic degrees and professional qualifications; and in general carry out the activities for achieving its objectives. The October 27, 1997, the Diocese of Loja transferred indefinitely to Id Institute of Christ the Redeemer, Idente Missionaries, leading the university to conduct it with complete autonomy and in accordance with Idente charisma.