Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore was established on 1 February 2007 as a result of a decision to split Anna University into six universities, namely, Anna University, Chennai, Anna University of Technology, Chennai, Anna University of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore, Anna University of Technology Tirunelveli and Anna University of Technology, Madurai.Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore has power to grant affiliations to colleges and universities conducting graduate and postgraduate courses related to engineering, technology and management. Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore, through its Distance Education Arm Directorate of Online and Distance Education offers more than 40 degree programmes.
In September 14, 2011 a bill was passed to merge back the universities and the name was changed to Anna University - Chennai, Regional Centre - Coimbatore.