IIT Madras hosts Asias first global hyperloop competition

chennai: iit madras has inaugurated the global hyperloop competition (ghc) 2025, asia's first international hyperloop event, bringing together 10 teams and 200 students from across the world. the event, held at iit madras' discovery campus from 21st to 25th february, also hosts 150 industry delegates, positioning india at the forefront of hyperloop innovation.hyperloop, a futuristic high-speed transportation system conceptualized by elon musk in 2013, enables capsules to travel through near-vacuum tubes at speeds exceeding 1000 km/h. the competition features three key categories: pod demonstration, hyperloop innoquest (case study challenge), and designx (innovative designs).addressing the event, chief guest pankaj sharma, principal executive director, railway board, emphasized india's growing leadership in transportation technology. iit madras director, prof. v. kamakoti, highlighted the potential for rapid hyperloop connectivity across india.the event is supported by iitm pravartak, sae india, and the ministry of railways, with contributions from industry leaders like indian railways, arcelormittal, and ansys. a social campaign, 'ghc ji ज्ञा sa,' has also been launched to engage students in hyperloop technology.iit madras, a pioneer in hyperloop research, continues to drive innovation with its 422-meter test track, fostering collaboration and shaping the future of sustainable mobility.