The California Institute of Technology, commonly known as Caltech, is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1891, it is renowned for its strong emphasis on science and engineering. Caltech is home to a small student body, allowing for close interactions between students and faculty, which fosters a collaborative learning environment. Caltech is also known for its prestigious faculty and alumni, including several Nobel Prize winners. The institute operates the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is a key center for robotic space exploration. With a focus on innovation and research, Caltech consistently ranks among the top universities in the world.