Hyperloop ecosystem gathers in Switzerland for annual Partners Day
On July 18th, EuroTube hosted the annual HDP Partners Day in Dübendorf, Switzerland. The meeting was kicked off by Jeroen in ‘t Veld, chairman of the Hyperloop Development Program (HDP), highlighting the significance of the meeting that coincides with the European Hyperloop Week. The HDP Partners Day serves as a platform for discussion, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning. Over 35 participants from HDP partner organizations and other committed stakeholders gathered together, aiming to foster collaboration. By addressing technical challenges and developing a compelling narrative, the HDP Partners Day aims to contribute to a future where hyperloop becomes an integral part of the European transport network.
Expanding & strengthening the hyperloop community
Klaus Rudischhauser, Director General of the HDP, emphasized the importance of cooperation among partners and the role of the HDP as intermediary with the public sector. He highlighted the need for partners to contribute ideas for the HDP work program and set clear expectations from the HDP. Mr Rudischhauser also addressed the TEN-T regulation in which hyperloop has recently been identified as a new railway technology, and the ongoing impact assessment about hyperloop conducted by the European Commission for regulatory requirements.
Looking back on the past months, Sascha Lamme, Program Director of the HDP, welcomed new HDP Partners Busch and Erciyas, and highlighted the completion of the European Hyperloop Center (EHC). The EHC is envisioned as a hub for testing new technologies, offering opportunities for partners to trial their innovations and contribute to the hyperloop ecosystem.
Antoine Juge, Mission Assurance Director at EuroTube, echoed the call for collaboration, inviting organizations to join in establishing a European hyperloop test infrastructure cluster. He urged participants to collaborate on grant applications and engage in testing activities, reinforcing the spirit of shared knowledge and unified efforts.
HDP Storyline
A key focus of the discussions was the development of a HDP Storyline - a common narrative to convey the benefits and potential of hyperloop technology. Participants emphasized several critical topics, including safety, technology adoption, public accessibility, and the need for a business-oriented approach. Some of the participants highlighted the importance of addressing existing technological issues and enhancing exchange of knowledge, while others stressed the need to provoke discussion on new modes of transport and the societal implications of hyperloop adoption.
Moreover, participants underscored the necessity of resilience and reliability in transportation systems, advocating for an evolutionary approach that recognizes hyperloop as an addition to existing modes of transport. The dialogue also touched on the environmental benefits of hyperloop, pointing out the system’s resilience to climate change and its potential to address challenges faced by current transport networks.
Looking ahead
As the HDP Partners Day in Dübendorf concluded, a sense of optimism and determination dominated the annual meeting. The collaborative efforts highlighted the potential of hyperloop technology to significantly improve transportation in Europe. Towards the end of this year new testing facilities will come into being with the DemoTube in Switzerland and the goTube in Germany. More insights of hyperloop development worldwide are shared in the Hyperloop in Review report, which has been shared with HDP Partners and can now can be downloaded via the above link.