Dübendorf – The EuroTube Foundation is starting construction of its hyperloop test facility at the Innovation Park Zurich. Vacuum tests in the chamber are to be started as early as mid-July. At the same time, student engineering teams from across the world will present their hyperloop prototypes.
The EuroTube Foundation is establishing a hyperloop test facility on the grounds of the Innovation Park Zurich. According to a press release from the EuroTube Foundation, construction of the DemoTube was started on May 15 with a presentation of the first components of the facility. A vacuum chamber and airlock will be built first. The tube spanning 120 meters will be completed by the end of 2025.
The first vacuum tests are to be held in the DemoTube as early as July. At the same time, the European Hyperloop Week will be taking place in Zurich for the first time. Around 20 student teams of budding engineers are expected to want to test their hyperloop prototypes in Dübendorf according to the EuroTube Foundation.
The foundation was established in 2019 by graduates from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich to research vacuum transportation technology. The Federal Council, the Swiss government, declared it an institute of national importance in 2021. DemoTube will be part of the European research infrastructure cluster for hyperloop.
Martin Sturzenegger, Managing Director of the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich Foundation, commented in the press release: “The launch of the DemoTube by EuroTube at our campus is a milestone for Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich.” He added that the project underscores the Innovation Park’s leadership in technological innovation and sustainable transport, stating: “This facility isn’t just a hyperloop testbed; it embodies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation.” ce/hs