Hyperloop companies establish international association

Seven founding members have created the first international association for the hyperloop industry. These companies are Hardt from Rotterdam, Hyperloop One and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies from Los Angeles, Transpod from Toronto, Zeleros from Valencia, the deep-tech company Nevomo based in Crans-Montana in the Swiss canton of Valais and Warsaw, and Swisspod, from Monthey, also in the canton of Valais, with another location in Lausanne’s EPFL Innovation Park.

Hyperloop is a high-speed transport system that is still in development, which involves capsules moving through a tube that is almost completely void of air at speeds of up to 1,200 kilometers per hour. It will significantly cut journey times for passengers and freight between cities and countries, thus being “more energy efficient and sustainable than any current mode of mass transportation”, according to a press release from Nevomo.

The new association will be based in Brussels. It is inviting companies, public and private institutes, and non-profit organizations playing a part in the hyperloop industry’s value chain to join as members. The founding members aim to promote integration and close collaboration between industry specialists, research and development institutes, and science.

Ben Paczek, CEO and Co-Founder of Nevomo, has been selected as the first president of the association. He commented: “The European Commission will initiate the work on the hyperloop regulatory framework, which is a significant milestone for the industry, not just in Europe but worldwide.” mm