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This technology promises to cut travel time between cities from hours to minutes, all while using a fraction of the energy traditional transportation systems require.

But while the concept is clear, the path to realizing it has been riddled with both promise and setbacks. Today, companies like Swisspod are carrying the torch, pushing boundaries, and presenting fresh opportunities for investors seeking to participate in transformative infrastructure projects.

A brief history: from Musk’s blueprint to Swisspod’s innovation

The term "Hyperloop" entered the public consciousness in 2013 when Elon Musk unveiled a white paper describing a new form of transportation. Musk's concept was simple yet revolutionary: a near-vacuum tube in which pods could travel at speeds of over 1,000 kilometers per hour, reducing friction to almost nothing and achieving an efficiency level that traditional rail or air travel couldn't match. He described it as a “fifth mode” of transport, distinct from cars, planes, boats, or trains.

But despite the excitement generated by Musk’s announcement, the idea wasn’t entirely new. The roots of the concept stretch back to the 18th century when pneumatic transportation systems were explored. In the early 1900s, Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocketry, had already imagined a vacuum-sealed tube transport system. What Musk did, however, was galvanize modern engineering into taking the leap from theory to practice.

Trials, errors, and early failures

With Musk leaving Hyperloop development to other companies and research teams, the real-world trials began. One of the first companies to take up the challenge was Hyperloop One (rebranded as Virgin Hyperloop until 2022), which conducted its first test in 2017 in Nevada. It was a modest success, with a pod reaching 309 km/h (192 mph) during testing. However, technical challenges soon followed, from maintaining vacuum conditions over long distances to creating reliable propulsion and braking systems in a vacuum tube.

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT), another key player, promised much but also encountered hurdles. Building a large-scale, vacuum-sealed tube that could withstand changes in temperature and structural strain without constant maintenance proved more difficult than anticipated. The regulatory environment also lagged behind the technology, with questions about safety and infrastructure costs still largely unanswered.

The failures were not terminal, however. These early struggles laid the groundwork for the next generation of companies to take on the Hyperloop challenge with renewed vigor and improved engineering techniques.

The present and future: Swisspod leads the charge

Swisspod Technologies, co-founded by Romanian engineer Denis Tudor, has emerged as a leader in the Hyperloop race. Unlike many of its competitors, Swisspod is focused on making Hyperloop technology scalable, practical, and cost-effective. Their goal is not only to build a functional Hyperloop but to make it commercially viable. The company's unique approach involves building a system that uses a passive infrastructure, shifting the complex technology to the vehicle itself. This results in greater efficiency and lower implementation and maintenance costs.

Their philosophy revolves around reducing the energy requirements and costs associated with Hyperloop systems. By incorporating innovative systems for electromagnetic propulsion, levitation, thermal management, and other advanced technologies, they aim to create a system that is both sustainable and economical. Their approach has earned them recognition from investors like Felix Porsche, who recently joined the company’s board, signaling growing confidence in Swisspod’s potential to lead the Hyperloop revolution.

One of the key strengths of Swisspod is its strategic partnerships, particularly in regions like Europe and India. These collaborations allow Swisspod to test and refine its technologies while building a global network of supporters and stakeholders. The company’s recent partnership in India is a prime example of how they are positioning themselves to tackle regional transportation inefficiencies by deploying energy-efficient Hyperloop systems.

Swisspod’s advancements have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, they set a world record for the longest Hyperloop mission during testing and have since secured letters of intent from Swiss Federal Railways and other partners. These milestones demonstrate the growing confidence in Swisspod’s ability to bring Hyperloop from concept to reality. Earlier this year, Swisspod raised €3.8 million to further its research and development efforts, focusing on building test tracks and refining its prototype models.

“We’ve made significant progress in advancing our hyperloop technology, setting world records in Switzerland and constructing the largest Hyperloop R&D Center in the U.S., where full-scale testing will soon begin. While challenges remain, from navigating regulations, ensuring safety, to securing funding, the tangible progress we’ve made enables us to tackle them head-on and build strong synergies across public and private sectors worldwide to bring this transformative technology to life”, says Denis Tudor, the CEO of Swisspod.

Hyperloop: The case for investment

Hyperloop’s evolution is a classic tale of innovation—an idea that began centuries ago, only to be revitalized by 21st-century technology and ambition. From Elon Musk’s original blueprint to Swisspod’s ongoing development, the path has been filled with both challenges and triumphs.

Yet today, the dream of ultra-fast, sustainable transport is closer than ever. For investors, the Hyperloop represents an exciting, albeit long-term, opportunity. With governments worldwide increasingly prioritizing green infrastructure and sustainable transport solutions, Hyperloop systems could become central to future transportation networks. The market potential is staggering. The global high-speed rail market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%, reaching $87 billion by 2027. Hyperloop systems could easily capture a significant portion of this market, given their faster, more energy-efficient approach.

But what truly sets Hyperloop investments apart is their potential for disruption. This isn't just an incremental improvement on existing technology—it’s a game-changer.

Swisspod’s strong academic partnerships and ability to raise substantial capital demonstrate that it’s not just a dream but a tangible, growing business. Investors on SeedBlink, the investment platform known for identifying high-growth tech companies, now have the chance to join the Hyperloop movement by backing Swisspod.

Swisspod’s leadership in sustainable transportation and its commitment to making Hyperloop technology commercially viable are exactly the qualities disruptive investors should look for in a growth-stage company. The time for Hyperloop might have been delayed by early setbacks, but now the pieces are falling into place.