Texas Institute of Technology and Science

Texas Institute Of Technology and Science

Type	Private University
Established	December 13, 2023
Founder	Elon Musk
Location	Austin, Texas , United States

Texas Institute of Technology and Science (TITS) is a proposal by Elon Musk to open a university in Austin, Texas.^[1][2]

Background

Musk's personal views include frequent criticism of the American education system.^[3][4] In 2014, he founded Astra Nova School (then Ad Astra School) after pulling his five sons out of school because he disapproved of the curriculum, and how it was presented.^[4]

In October 2021, Musk tweeted that he would start a new university named Texas Institute of Technology and Science, which corresponds to the acronym TITS.^[5][6][7] Musk added, "it will have epic merch, universally admired".^[5] The name, specifically the acronym, was criticized as sexist.^[5]

Initial funding

In December 2023, tax records revealed that Musk had donated $100 million to a new foundation, "The Foundation", set up to create a primary and secondary school focused on teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects.^[8][9] The foundation included plans to expand the project to the university level accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.^[8] In 2022, Musk allocated Tesla, Inc. stock valued at $2.2 billion to The Foundation, as reported by Bloomberg.^[2]

According to the report, the university intends to be tuition-free, but may consider offering need-based scholarships in the future.^[10] The university is expected to receive funding primarily through donations.^[11]

References

1. "Elon Musk Says Planning to Open 'Texas Institute of Technology & Science'". News18. October 30, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
2. Karlis, Michael. "Texas billionaire Elon Musk launching new university in Austin, according to filing". San Antonio Current. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
3. "Learn About Elon Musk's Views On Education". InsideEVs. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
4. "Elon Musk Criticizes Boring Education System, This Is How It Should Be". VOI - Waktunya Merevolusi Pemberitaan. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
5. Bhattacharya, Ananya (November 1, 2021). "In one tweet, Elon Musk captures the everyday sexism faced by women in STEM". Quartz. Archived from the original on November 1, 2021.
6. Brodkin, Jon (December 15, 2021). "Tesla sexual harassment lawsuits multiply as 6 more women sue Musk-led firm". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021.
7. Siddiqui, Faiz (November 19, 2021). "A Tesla factory worker alleges sexual harassment is rampant in a rare lawsuit. Now other women are stepping forward". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021.
8. Kay, Grace. "Elon Musk plans to launch his own university in Texas, report says". Business Insider. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
9. Tax Filing
10. IV, Antonio Pequeño. "Elon Musk University? Billionaire Pledges $100 Million To Launch School In Texas, Report Says". Forbes. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
11. McGee, Kate (December 13, 2023). "Elon Musk plans to open a new university in Austin". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved December 14, 2023.