IIT Madras to host Global Hyperloop Competition from February 21; US, Europe, Turkey to participate

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras will be organising a Global Hyperloop Competition (GHC) 2025 from February 21 to 25 with an aim to bring together the key Hyperloop stakeholders from the US, Europe, Turkey, and other parts of the world, as per the official notification.

IIT Madras-led GHC 2025 also aims to provide a global platform for students, researchers and industry leaders to exchange ideas, expertise and inspire the next generation of engineers, designers who can build the future of mobility.

In order to spread the knowledge about the hyperloop concepts worldwide, and to encourage youths to be part of the field of transportation, the five-day hyperloop competition event will focus on “accelerating adoption of sustainable and ultra-fast transit systems,” the institute said.

The competition will be held at the institute’s unique Hyperloop test infrastructure facility that is built with the support of the Indian Railways, ArcelorMittal, L&T and HindalCo, the institute added.

Satya Chakravarthy, faculty advisor, Hyperloop, IIT Madras, said: “The GHC is a testament to what students can achieve when given the right opportunities and platforms. Our vision goes beyond competition—we aim to inspire and equip the next generation to redefine what’s possible in transportation.”

“The Global Hyperloop Competition exemplifies our mission to foster multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation in India. The 450-meter test track at Thaiyur is not just a milestone for IIT Madras but also a beacon for aspiring engineers worldwide, demonstrating the power of ingenuity and teamwork in shaping the future of mobility,” Pranav Singhal, student head (Hyperloop), IIT Madras, said.

IIT Madras, IITM Pravartak SAEIndia, and the union ministry of railways will collectively be organising the international event “with an objective to showcase and propagate hyperloop concepts worldwide, fostering a transformative spirit among young minds in the field of transportation,” the university said.

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IIT Madras: GHC 2025 highlights

Around 400 participants will compete in three categories at the IIT Madras-led GHC Competition 2025.

Pod demonstration: Teams will compete in Hyperloop pod prototypes, demonstrating advanced speed, stability, and safety features on the “cutting-edge” test track.

Hyperloop InnoQuest: It is a case study competition that will aim at dealing with real-world challenges in implementing Hyperloop technologies.

DesignX: A platform for design enthusiasts to present innovative concepts and ideas, while pushing the boundaries of Hyperloop technology and its applications.

Hyperloop ‘Alpha’ by Elon Musk

Hyperloop is the 5th mode of transportation, a high-speed train that travels in a “near-vacuum tube”. This high-speed train can touch more than 1000 km/ hour speed due to reduced air resistance inside the capsule.

Elon Musk, head of SpaceX and Tesla, introduced the idea of Hyperloop to the world in 2013 through a whitepaper – ‘Hyperloop Alpha,’ the institute said.