Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

The Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL; Spanish: literally "Technical Private University of Loja"; also rendered in English as the "Technical University of Loja") is a private research university in Loja, Ecuador, known for its nationwide distance education model and applied research initiatives. Founded on 3 May 1971 by executive decree, the university pioneered open and distance higher education in Ecuador in 1976, later expanding with a country-wide network of learning centers.