Team Avishkar Hyperloop from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has once again put India on the global map, clinching the top rank in Asia and 4th position globally at the European Hyperloop Week (EHW) 2025, held in Veendam, Netherlands, from July 14–20, 2025. This student-led team, founded in 2017 under IIT Madras’ Centre for Innovation (CFI), secured 1st place in Socio-Economic Research and 2nd place in Technical Research for its aerodynamic analysis, reinforcing its status as a leader in sustainable, high-speed transportation innovation.
Key Points:
- Avishkar Hyperloop is the No. 1 ranked Hyperloop team in Asia and 4th globally.
- The team won top honors in Socio-Economic Research and 2nd in Technical Research at EHW 2025.
- Comprising over 70 students, the team works across eight technical subsystems to advance Hyperloop technology.
Pod 8.0: A Technological Marvel
At EHW 2025, Avishkar showcased its most advanced prototype yet, Hyperloop Pod 8.0, designed in-house with groundbreaking features. This pod represents a leap forward in Hyperloop technology, blending efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort to make high-speed travel a reality.
Key Points:
- Features a hybrid propulsion system with Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) for thrust and Linear Induction Motor (LIM) for cruising.
- Includes custom motor controllers and DC-DC converters for enhanced reliability and power efficiency.
- Equipped with a modular chassis, advanced dampers, and a passenger mock-up cabin for comfort and scalability.
- Integrates safety features like redundant battery stacks and active cooling systems.
Asia’s Largest Hyperloop Test Track
Beyond competitions, Avishkar Hyperloop has built Asia’s largest Hyperloop test track, a 422-meter vacuum-compatible facility at IIT Madras’ Discovery Campus in Thaiyur, near Chennai. Developed in collaboration with Indian Railways, IRCTC, and TuTr Hyperloop, this track is the world’s longest student-run Hyperloop testing infrastructure, enabling real-world testing of scalable solutions.
Key Points:
- The 422-meter test track supports rigorous testing of pod prototypes.
- Partnerships with Indian Railways, ArcelorMittal, and L&T Construction drive infrastructure development.
- The facility positions India as a global hub for Hyperloop research and innovation.
A Legacy of Excellence
Avishkar Hyperloop’s journey began in 2017, and its consistent excellence has earned global recognition. From being the only Asian finalist at the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition 2019 to securing the Most Scalable Design Award at EHW 2021 and multiple top finishes in 2022–2024, the team has set benchmarks in Hyperloop innovation. Their work has been praised by leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who visited the Thaiyur test track.
Key Points:
- Top 10 finish at SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition 2019 among 1,600+ teams.
- Won Most Scalable Design Award at EHW 2021 and top-5 finishes in 2022.
- Secured top-3 global rankings in technical categories at EHW 2023 and 2024.
Voices of Vision and Innovation
The team’s success is driven by passion and interdisciplinary collaboration, as highlighted by key figures:
- Professor Dr. S. R. Chakravarthy, Faculty Advisor, said, “Avishkar is proof that Indian students can compete with the best in the world in cutting-edge mobility.”
- Boobalan Mohan, Team Head, noted, “Our strength lies in the passion and persistence of every teammate who believes in redefining mobility.”
- Tharun Rishwanth R M S, Business Head, added, “At Avishkar Hyperloop, we don’t wait for the future—we build it.”
Key Points:
- The team’s multidisciplinary approach involves students from engineering, design, and other fields.
- Faculty and industry support fuel Avishkar’s innovation and global competitiveness.
- The team aims to inspire the next generation of engineers through its work.
Shaping the Future of Mobility
Avishkar Hyperloop is not just competing but laying the groundwork for India’s first Hyperloop corridor, with plans for a 350 km Chennai-Bengaluru route that could reduce travel time to 30 minutes. Their award-winning socio-economic research at EHW 2025 focused on freight viability, ticket pricing, safety standards, and India-specific adoption models. The team is also integrating artificial intelligence and enhancing energy efficiency to create scalable solutions tailored to India’s needs.
Key Points:
- Research explores practical implementation of Hyperloop in India’s logistics and transport sectors.
- AI integration and energy-efficient designs aim to make Hyperloop sustainable.
- The proposed Chennai-Bengaluru corridor could revolutionize intercity travel.
A Vision for Global Impact
Avishkar Hyperloop’s achievements at EHW 2025 and its state-of-the-art test track position India as a leader in the global Hyperloop ecosystem. With plans to host the Global Hyperloop Competition (GHC) 2025 at IIT Madras, the team is fostering a collaborative community of innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to accelerate the adoption of this transformative technology.
Key Points:
- IIT Madras hosted Asia’s first international Hyperloop competition in February 2025.
- The team’s patents, including a cost-effective magnetic track system, drive innovation.
- Collaborations with Indian Railways and industry partners like L&T and ArcelorMittal ensure scalability.
