Hyperloop's future takes shape in Groningen
Hyperloop’s future will be the focus of the European Hyperloop Week, happening in Veendam, hosting workshops and student competitions.
Published on July 14, 2025
© European Hyperloop Center
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This week, the European Hyperloop Center (EHC) in Vendaam, Groningen, will serve as the hub of the world's hyperloop development during the European Hyperloop Week (EHW). This event, taking place from July 14 to 20, brings together students, researchers, and industry leaders to collaborate on hyperloop development. But where does this technology stand now?
The hyperloop mobility system is designed as a high-speed transportation solution that utilizes vacuum tubes to minimize air resistance and friction. This enables travel at speeds potentially exceeding 1000 km/h, surpassing the speed of any traditional train system. The technology relies on magnetically levitated pods that reduce contact with tracks, increasing efficiency. This innovation addresses the limitations of current transport modes by providing an efficient alternative that is unaffected by weather-related disruptions, thereby enhancing travel flexibility.
The concept gained popularity again in 2013, when Elon Musk published a white paper outlining the functioning of a vacuum tubular transportation system. Since then, several teams worldwide have begun working on this mobility concept.
Hardt Hyperloop: a Dutch frontrunner
One of the companies most familiar with EHC settings is Hardt Hyperloop. Founded by former students from a previous Hyperloop Delft cohort, it is making strides in developing the technology, aiming to open the first route by 2030.
The EHC is Europe’s largest facility for testing and advancing hyperloop technology. Specifically, it features an advanced lane-switching system, essential for enabling vehicles to transfer between different routes or destinations without slowing down, thereby ensuring efficiency, flexibility, and scalability in future hyperloop infrastructure.
Last December, Hardt completed a full lane switch test, taking a step forward in the commercialization of the technology. The company continues to work on the technology, also focusing on related aspects such as passenger experience.
What is the European Hyperloop Week?
The EHV is the premier global event for hyperloop innovation, with this year’s edition being hosted in Groningen. The EHW fosters collaboration among student teams, researchers, and industry leaders. Its focus is not only on competition but also on knowledge-sharing and the demonstration of full-scale hyperloop systems.
Student teams from around the world will compete in various categories, including full-system demonstrations, subsystem prototypes, and academic research presentations. The event features panels, workshops, and live testing, drawing hundreds of participants from universities and companies alike.
The Dutch contender: Delft Hyperloop
A consistent contestant of the event has been Delft Hyperloop, a student team from Delft University of Technology. With a legacy that includes winning the inaugural SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition and multiple accolades at previous editions of EHW, the team is once again a major contender.
Delft Hyperloop team, representing Delft University of Technology, has set a high bar in this year's EHW with Theia, their most significant pod to date. Theia, which measures nearly 2.5 meters wide, marks a considerable scale-up from previous models, embodying their commitment to large-scale hyperloop solutions. The team developed innovative motor designs and levitation modules to enhance the performance of the pod.
Future prospects
Europe's leadership in hyperloop technology stands in stark contrast to significant hurdles. While Hardt Hyperloop aims to be operational by 2030, challenges such as funding, infrastructure, and safety remain. EU's financial backing signifies its commitment, yet the need for expansive cooperation remains crucial.
Companies like Nevomo are exploring complementary technologies, such as MagRail, to upgrade existing railway systems, reflecting the multifaceted approach required. The long-term vision includes overcoming these hurdles and aligning with sustainability goals. The aspiration is to make the hyperloop a reality, showcasing the transport mode's potential to revolutionize global travel.
As live demonstrations, student competitions, and policy discussions unfold next week, all eyes will be on Veendam. The outcomes of these trials—and the momentum they generate—could bring hyperloop technology one step closer to commercial deployment across Europe and the world.