Founded in [[1829-01-01 - 1829-12-31|1829]], it was among the most prestigious and selective grandes écoles. Rooted in rich entrepreneurial tradition since the industrial revolution era, it served as the cradle for top-level engineers and executives who continue to constitute a major part of the industry leadership in [[France]]. Since the [[1800-01-01 - 1899-12-31|19th century]], its model of education for training generalist engineers inspired the establishment of several engineering institutes around the world.