Hyperloop institutes from Switzerland and the netherlands start a European research infrastructure cluster
The Hyperloop Development Program (HDP), the European Hyperloop Center (EHC), and the Swiss EuroTube Foundation have signed a Letter of Intent to create a European hyperloop research infrastructure cluster to foster collaboration between EuroTube’s DemoTube, located in Switzerland, and the European Hyperloop Center, based in the Netherlands.
The HDP, EHC, and EuroTube share a vision for more sustainable transport through providing an alternative to road traffic and aviation, whilst also complementing the existing transportation network. In order to achieve these goals, the signed Letter of Intent represents the collaborative efforts to integrate two testing facilities for hyperloop technology – EuroTube’s DemoTube and the European Hyperloop Center - into a research infrastructure cluster as part of the HDP.
The collaboration between the HDP, EHC, and EuroTube offers significant benefits due to these key factors:
Complementarity of test facilities: While the European Hyperloop Center allows the testing of the vehicle design of hyperloop developers and the first hyperloop lane-switch, as well as the suitability of steel tubes, DemoTube enables the testing of the first hyperloop valve and the concept of sealed, post-tensioned concrete tubes.
Resource Pooling and Efficiency: HDP, EHC, and EuroTube are working closely together by pooling resources, increasing the effectiveness of both organizations. This collaboration constitutes the first steps towards creating a "European Space Agency" for hyperloop, with decentralized hyperloop testing sites throughout Europe coordinated by the HDP.
The collaboration aims to achieve the following goals:
Accelerated Innovation: Our joint efforts are expected to significantly speed up the development and implementation of sustainable high-speed transport solutions in Europe and beyond, leading to advancements in the field of transportation technology.
Strengthen Europe's position: Through our combined efforts, we aim to position Europe at the forefront of hyperloop technology. This partnership will support Europe's commitment to innovative and sustainable transportation solutions.
Signing ceremony of the Letter of Intent. From left to right: Julian Ehwald, R&D Project Architect EuroTube; Sascha Lamme, Managing Director European Hyperloop Center; Lorenzo Benedetti, Director of R&D EuroTube
About the Hyperloop Development Program:
The Hyperloop Development Program (HDP) is a public-private partnership driven by national and regional governments, and a group of more than 25 international industry parties and knowledge & research institutions. Since its establishment in 2020, several organizations across Europe have joined the HDP. These include technology developers - such as Hardt Hyperloop (the Netherlands), Nevomo (Poland) and Zeleros (Spain) -, as well as research institutes - including Swiss EuroTube, the German Institute for Hyperloop Technology, and the Dutch European Hyperloop Center. Together HDP Partners are dedicated to developing hyperloop as a safe, sustainable, and efficient mode of transportation for passengers and goods.
About EuroTube and DemoTube:
The EuroTube Foundation is a Swiss non-profit research organization for the development of vacuum transport technology, also known as hyperloop. EuroTube is recognized in Switzerland as a research institute of national importance and aims to bridge the gap between basic research at universities and applied industrial research.
The DemoTube test facility aims to set a benchmark as the first hyperloop infrastructure demonstrator made of new innovative composite concrete materials. The 120-meter test track will be constructed beginning in 2024 in Dübendorf/Zürich, Switzerland.
About the European Hyperloop Center:
The European Hyperloop Center (EHC) in the Province of Groningen, the Netherlands, is the location where hyperloop technology will be tested and validated, working towards technological convergence. Here start-ups, the industry, and research institutes jointly work on a new transport modality. In 2023, a test track of 420 meters in length has been constructed in Veendam. When fully finalized, speeds up to 100 km/h can be reached. The facility also includes a lane switch. The first tests will start in 2024.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Steffen Hartmann about EuroTube and DemoTube via steffen.hartmann@eurotube.org;
Jan Willem Visser about the Hyperloop Development Program and the European Hyperloop Center via janwillemvisser@hyperloopdevelopmentprogram.com.