Hyperloop Transportation Technologies

The company was founded by JumpStarter, Inc., utilizing the company's crowdfunding and collaboration platform JumpStartFund.{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/10/31/company-plans-to-turn-hyperloop-dream-into-reality/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101071315/http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/10/31/company-plans-to-turn-hyperloop-dream-into-reality/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |title=Company plans to turn Hyperloop dream into hypercool reality |work=Fox News |first=Jeremy A. |last=Kaplan |date=October 31, 2013 |accessdate=May 27, 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/hyperloop-set-motion-prototype-design-scheduled-june-2014/story?id=20738946 |title=Hyperloop Set in Motion, Prototype Design Scheduled for June 2014 |work=ABC News |first=Jon M. |last=Chang |date=October 31, 2013 |accessdate=May 27, 2014}}

In 2013, HyperloopTT announced partnered with Ansys, GloCal Network and UCLA's Architecture & Urban Design program to aide in the early-stage development of feasibility testing, supply chain management and station experience.{{Cite news|last=Little|first=James|date=Oct 31, 2013|title=JumpStartFund-Backed 'Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc.' to Publish Next Hyperloop Development Milestones|work=Business Wire|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20131031005108/en/JumpStartFund-Backed-%E2%80%98Hyperloop-Transportation-Technologies-Inc.%E2%80%99-Publish-Hyperloop|access-date=Oct 29, 2020}}

The company was not focused on the Los Angeles-to-San Francisco route that was the baseline of the Hyperloop Alpha design from 2013, and considered other routes.

In 2015, HyperloopTT signed and agreement with GROW Holdings, the developer of Quay Valley, California, to construct a {{convert|5|mi|km|0|adj=on}} demonstration track beginning in 2016.{{Cite news|title=California is getting a Hyperloop, but not where you think|url=https://newatlas.com/agreement-reached-to-build-first-passenger-hyperloop/36285/|last=Mack|first=Eric|date=Feb 26, 2015|access-date=Nov 11, 2020|work=New Atlas}}

Also in August 2015, HyperloopTT announced partnerships with international engineering design and construction giant Aecom and Oerlikon, the world's oldest vacuum technology specialist. AECOM began providing services to HyperloopTT for the design of the full-scale Quay Valley prototype track.{{cite news|last=Howe|first=Marc|date=August 31, 2015|title=Engineering Giant AECOM Will Work On Hyperloop Project|work=CleanTechnica|url=http://cleantechnica.com/2015/08/31/engineering-giant-aecom-will-work-on-hyperloop-project/|accessdate=February 3, 2016|archive-date=December 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228014706/https://cleantechnica.com/2015/08/31/engineering-giant-aecom-will-work-on-hyperloop-project/|url-status=dead}}

Construction on this demonstration track in Quay Valley never started as GROW Holdings lacked the funds to continue the new community development and stopped all development in the valley.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2014/12/jumpstartfund-hyperloop-elon-musk/ |title=These Dreamers Are Actually Making Progress Building Elon's Hyperloop |magazine=Wired |last1=Davies |first1=Alex |date=December 18, 2014 |accessdate=December 19, 2014}}

The company's singular collaboration model meant that rather than employees, HyperloopTT has established a network of contributors all working a minimum of 10 hours per week in exchange for future equity.

Initial development was done by approximately 100 engineers compensated solely in stock options. This initial team was primarily based within the United States. The company has assembled a team of community members, attracting high level engineers and contributing corporations.{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20131031005108/en/JumpStartFund-Backed-‘Hyperloop-Transportation-Technologies-Inc.’-Publish-Hyperloop |title=JumpStartFund-Backed 'Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc.' to Publish Next Hyperloop Development Milestones |publisher=Business Wire |first=James |last=Little |date=October 31, 2013 |accessdate=January 8, 2015}}

HyperloopTT saw a large growth in contributor numbers in 2015, in February the company had grown to nearly 200 contributors{{cite news|last=Mack|first=Eric|date=February 26, 2015|title=California is getting a Hyperloop, but not where you think|work=Gizmag|url=http://www.gizmag.com/agreement-reached-to-build-first-passenger-hyperloop/36285|accessdate=March 2, 2015}}

and by November had more than doubled to just under 500 people.

HyperloopTT continued growing and began hiring full-time executives, to help manage the contribution of the crowd.

Today, HyperloopTT boasts more than 800 contributors in 40 countries with 50 full-time employees and more than 50 corporate partners.

In 2016 then HyperloopTT CEO, Dirk Ahlborn, announced an agreement with the Slovak government to perform feasibility studies regarding routes connecting Vienna, Austria to Bratislava, Slovakia, and Bratislava to Budapest, Hungary.{{cite news|date=May 11, 2016|title=HyperloopTT reaches agreement with Slovakia|work=PR Newswire|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyperloop-transportation-technologies-reaches-agreement-with-slovakia-300234762.html|accessdate=November 23, 2016}} Total costs for this project are estimated to be {{USD|200–300 million}}. The resulting annual system capacity is projected to be 10 million passengers.{{cite news|last=Andrei|first=Mihai|date=March 28, 2016|title=The Hyperloop is about to be built – in Europe|work=ZME Science|location=Romania|url=http://www.zmescience.com/science/hyperloop-europe-27032016/|access-date=May 12, 2016}} The company announced in March 2016 that they would be using passive Inductrack systems for their titular Hyperloop.{{cite news|last=Cooper|first=Daniel|date=May 9, 2016|title=Hyperloop taps into government research to float pods|work=Engadget|location=US|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/05/09/hyperloop-inductrack-levitation/|accessdate=May 12, 2016}} However, in August 2018 the agreement expired after the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and HyperloopTT didn't reach an agreement to continue the project.{{cite news|date=August 13, 2018|title=Hyperloop na Slovensku nebude. Memorandum so štátom vypršalo|language=sk|trans-title=Hyperloop will not be in Slovakia. Memorandum with state expired|work=HN Online|location=Slovakia|url=https://slovensko.hnonline.sk/1793421-hyperloop-na-slovensku-nebude-memorandum-so-statom-vyprsalo|access-date=April 5, 2019}}

In September 2017, HyperloopTT signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh State Government in India to build a Hyperloop between the cities of Amaravati and Vijaywada. The two-phase project would begin with a 6-month feasibility study which would be followed by actual construction.{{Cite news|last=Etherington|first=Darrell|date=September 6, 2017|title=HyperloopTT signs agreement to develop a Hyperloop in India|work=TechCrunch|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/06/htt-signs-agreement-to-develop-a-hyperloop-in-india/|access-date=September 7, 2017}}{{cite news|date=September 7, 2017|title=Andhra Pradesh govt plans to connect Amaravati and Vijayawada with Hyperloop|work=Hindustan Times|location=India|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/andhra-pradesh-government-plans-to-connect-amaravati-and-vijayawada-with-hyperloop/story-TrWLTHtYoaMggiO152Uq0N.html|access-date=September 29, 2017}}{{cite news|date=September 6, 2017|title=Amaravati to Vijayawada in 5 minutes! This is what hyperloop can do for you|work=The Economic Times|location=India|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/htt-to-build-indias-first-hyperloop-connecting-amaravati-vijayawada/articleshow/60395268.cms|accessdate=October 9, 2017}}

In July 2018, HyperloopTT announced an agreement to create a joint venture with the government of China's southwestern province of Guizhou to construct a 10 km long Hyperloop track in the city of Tongren.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/20/guizhou-china-and-hyperloop-transportation-technologies-announce-deal.html|title=China looks to the future of transportation with new hyperloop deal|last=Tan|first=Huileng|date=2018-07-20|website=CNBC|language=en|access-date=2019-07-08}}{{cite news |last1=Zhao |first1=Runhua |title=Hyperloop Transportation Technologies to build Hyperloop in Southwest China with local partner |url=https://technode.com/2018/07/19/elon-musk-to-build-hyperloop-in-southwest-china-with-local-partner/ |accessdate=July 20, 2018 |work=TechNode |date=July 19, 2018}}

In 2016, HyperloopTT had raised $31.8 million in cash and received $77 million in man-hours, services rendered, land rights usage and future in-kind investments.{{Cite web|title=Hyperloop Transportation Technologies claims more than $100 million in total investment|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/01/hyperloop-transportation-technologies-claims-more-than-100-million-in-total-investment/|access-date=2019-07-09|website=TechCrunch|date=December 2016 |language=en-US}} A 2020 Forbes article stated that HyperloopTT had received a total of $50 million in-cash investments since founding, compared to Virgin Hyperloop's $350 million.{{Cite news|last=Vinoski|first=Jim|date=Jun 30, 2020|title=HyperloopTT's Virtual Collaboration Aims To Revolutionize Transportation|work=Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2020/06/30/hyperlooptts-virtual-collaboration-aims-to-revolutionize-transportation/?sh=42c44de016e7v|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}}

In a letter to shareholders obtained by Fortune in 2024, CEO Andrés de León stated the company was in financial trouble, having not paid employee salaries for months.{{Cite web |last=Mathews |first=Jessica |title=The startup behind the aspirational Hyperloop tunnel project in Northern Italy has struggled to pay employee salaries and rent this year, documents show |url=https://fortune.com/2024/03/02/hyperlooptt-elon-musk-italy-rent-salaries/ |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Fortune |language=en}}

HyperloopTT stated in a 2024 press release the company was moving from its Toulouse headquarters to offices outside of Venice in the first half of 2024.

HyperloopTT is currently operating or designing four prototypes.{{Cite web|title=HyperloopTT {{!}} Global Prototypes|url=https://www.hyperlooptt.com/projects/|access-date=Nov 3, 2020|website=HyperloopTT|language=en-US}}

File:Toulouse France HTT.jpg

From 2017 to 2023, HyperloopTT had an agreement with the city council of Toulouse and established a research and development center to test hyperloop-related technologies at the Francazal Airport, in the heart of the renowned "Aerospace Valley".{{Cite news|date=Jan 24, 2017|title=Toulouse Welcomes Hyperloop Transportation Technologies to Europe's Aerospace Valley With New Facilities|work=PR News Wire|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toulouse-welcomes-hyperloop-transportation-technologies-to-europes-aerospace-valley-with-new-facilities-300395767.html|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}}

{{Cite news|last=Cooper|first=Daniel|date=January 24, 2017|title=Hyperloop company to develop its technology in France|work=Engadget|url=https://www.engadget.com/2018-04-12-hyperloop-tt-begins-construction-of-its-first-test-track.html|access-date=Nov 6, 2020}}

Construction began on the 320-meter long test system in April 2018. The completed test-track was 4 meters in diameter which made it the world's only full-scale hyperloop test track.{{Cite news|last=Cooper|first=Daniel|date=April 12, 2018|title=Hyperloop TT begins construction of its first test track|work=Engadget|url=https://www.engadget.com/2018-04-12-hyperloop-tt-begins-construction-of-its-first-test-track.html|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}}

By 2022, the site appeared to be shut down with no development or testing activities taking place.{{Cite news|last=Laurens|first=Guillaume|date=December 31, 2022|title=Près de Toulouse. "On considère qu'Hyperloop n'est déjà plus là" : le maire se lâche sur un loupé industriel|work=actu.fr|url=https://actu.fr/occitanie/cugnaux_31157/pres-de-toulouse-on-considere-qu-hyperloop-n-est-deja-plus-la-le-maire-se-lache-sur-un-loupe-industriel_56270995.html|access-date=Feb 28, 2024}}

In November 2023, Hyperloop TT was evicted from the site due to inactivity, with the test track being dismantled in the following months.{{Cite news|last=Colin|first=Béatrice|date=Feb 23, 2024|title=Après le fiasco d'Hyperloop à Toulouse, la société américaine déménage en Italie|work=La dépêche|url=https://www.ladepeche.fr/2024/02/23/apres-le-fiasco-dhyperloop-a-toulouse-la-societe-americaine-demenage-en-italie-11783267.php|access-date=Feb 28, 2024}}

In November 2016, HyperloopTT signed an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs and Transportation to conduct a feasibility study for a hyperloop system connecting the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.{{Cite news|date=Dec 12, 2016|title=Abu Dhabi signs agreement on futuristic transport system|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emirates-hyperloop-abudhabi/abu-dhabi-signs-agreement-on-futuristic-transport-system-idUSKBN1411AI|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}} In 2017, HyperloopTT and the Office of His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed a strategic partnership agreement accelerating the development of the system to create an innovative infrastructure in line with the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision.{{Cite news|date=Jan 22, 2017|title=The Office of His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announces strategic partnership agreement with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies|work=Zawya|url=https://www.zawya.com/uae/en/press-releases/story/The_Office_of_His_Highness_Sheikh_Falah_Bin_Zayed_Al_Nahyan_announces_strategic_partnership_agreement_with_Hyperloop_Transportation_Technologies-ZAWYA20170122153231/|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}} The study was completed in 2018, and according to Professor Sabih Gatea Khisaf, has shown the system is "feasible, can be implemented, and is cheaper than high-speed trains. Travel between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain would take just from 10 to 20 minutes."{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Ashwani |date=2024-10-31 |title=Abu Dhabi-Al Ain in 10 minutes: Hyperloop’s UAE project remains on track |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/abu-dhabi-al-ain-in-10-minutes-hyperloops-uae-project-remains-on-track-1.104533629 |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Gulf News |language=en}}

In 2018, HyperloopTT and Aldar Properties signed an agreement to develop the first 10-kilometer section of a system between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.{{Cite news|date=Apr 18, 2018|title=Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Moves Forward with First Commercial Hyperloop System in the UAE|work=PR News Wire|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyperloop-transportation-technologies-moves-forward-with-first-commercial-hyperloop-system-in-the-uae-300632281.html|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}} The system was expected to be operational by 2023, and is still in progress as of 2024, after plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news|last=Farhan|first=Zehra|date=Nov 5, 2019|title=Hyperloop TT's commercial operations to begin in 2023|work=Construction Week Online|url=https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-and-tenders/260302-hyperloop-tts-commercial-operations-to-begin-in-2023|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Nick |title=New hope for UAE hyperloop system as Italian passenger line wins approval |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2024/02/17/new-hope-of-uae-hyperloop-system-as-italian-passenger-line-gets-green-light/ |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=The National |language=en}}

In February 2018, HyperloopTT announced a public-private partnership with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) metropolitan planning organization and the Illinois Department of Transportation for the development of the United States’ first interstate hyperloop system in the Great Lakes megaregion.{{Cite news|date=Feb 15, 2018|title=Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Signs First US Interstate Agreement|work=PR News Wire|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyperloop-transportation-technologies-signs-first-us-interstate-agreement-300599548.html|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}}{{Cite news|last=Etherington|first=Darrell|date=February 15, 2018|title=Hyperloop Transportation Technologies signs first cross-state deal in the U.S.|work=TechCrunch|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/02/15/hyperloop-transportation-technologies-signs-first-cross-state-deal-in-the-u-s/|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}} The project, which initially only focused on connecting Cleveland to Chicago, expanded in 2019 to include Pittsburgh, as HyperloopTT looks to create the first part of a national network that would connect the Midwest to the east coast through Pittsburgh.{{Cite news|last=Torrance|first=Luke|date=Dec 23, 2019|title=Why HyperloopTT wants to speed into Pittsburgh|work=Biz Journals|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2019/12/23/why-hyperlooptt-wants-to-speed-into-pittsburg.html|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}}

The audio branding company DFAD developed audio identity and acoustics design for HyperloopTT's capsules and stations. This included overall audio environment including implementation of sound, music, voiceovers into prototypes, soundscape systems for passenger well-being and comfort, sound for the infotainment system, audio UX, safety alerts, system notifications, optimized for functional design.

The Great Lakes project resulted in the world's most comprehensive hyperloop feasibility study demonstrating that the system would, “not only be a boon to communities along the travel corridors but also would be a strong business investment.”{{Cite news|title=Great Lakes Hyperloop Feasibility Study|url=https://www.glhyperloopoutreach.com/feasibility-study|date=Dec 16, 2019|publisher=Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency}}{{Cite news|title=Cleveland-Pittsburgh-Chicago Hyperloop study advocating next steps is released|url=https://www.glhyperloopoutreach.com/feasibility-study|last=Litt|first=Steven|date=Dec 16, 2019|publisher=The Plain Dealer}} The study projected development costs of about $40 billion, but would see a $30 billion profit in the first 25 years of operation.{{Cite news|date=Dec 17, 2019|title=Study: Proposed Pittsburgh-Cleveland-Chicago hyperloop would be highly profitable|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/12/17/Hyperloop-Pittsburgh-Cleveland-Chicago-feasibility-study-highly-profitable-transportation/stories/201912160147|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}} The study also predicted a 931,745 increase in jobs, $74.8 billion increase in property values, and an expanded tax base that would generate $12.7 billion in government revenue from 2025 to 2050.{{Cite web|title=Great Lakes HyperloopTT Feasibility Study|url=https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p85hepf1y829aju/AAAF89vfBFuQJNhyx4hWVfE2a/I._Latest_HyperloopTT_Assets/2019.12_-_Great_Lakes_Hyperloop_Feasibility_Study_Release?dl=0&preview=HyperloopTT-GLHFS-Infographic.pdf&subfolder_nav_tracking=1|access-date=Nov 3, 2020|website=HyperloopTT Results Dropbox}}

The report also projected that the renewable powered emission-free hyperloop system proposed by HyperloopTT would eliminate 143 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by replacing air, car, and rail transit along the corridor.{{Cite web|title=Great Lakes HyperloopTT Feasibility Study|url=https://www.hyperlooptt.com/projects/|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}}

As of 2023, HyperloopTT Chief Marketing Officer Rob Miller maintained the Cleveland stage of the project was on track to be completed before the end of the 2020s.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-31 |title=5 years later: Hyperloop project still moving forward in Northeast Ohio |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/5-years-later-hyperloop-project-still-moving-forward-in-northeast-ohio |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=News 5 Cleveland WEWS |language=en}}

In 2018, HyperloopTT announced the creation of a joint venture with Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (HHLA) the leading container terminal operator in the Port of Hamburg.{{Cite news|date=Dec 5, 2018|title=Hyperloop Transportation Technologies and HHLA Form New Joint Venture to Solve Shipping Industry Challenges|work=PR News Wire|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyperloop-transportation-technologies-and-hhla-form-new-joint-venture-to-solve-shipping-industry-challenges-300760471.html|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}} The project aims to build a 100-meter test track to test the cargo system before expanding the system to connect the port with an inland container yard to alleviate port congestion.{{Cite news|last=Szymkowski|first=Sean|date=Dec 5, 2018|title=HyperloopTT inks deal to build text track in Germany|work=Motor Authority|url=https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1120336_hyperlooptt-inks-deal-to-build-test-track-in-germany|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}} In 2019, HyperloopTT announced a partnership with the Gaussin Group, a French autonomous vehicle company, to create the AIV HyperloopTT electric self-driving vehicles that will cost-efficiently carry and transfer containers for the fully automated Hyperloop Cargo System.{{Cite news|date=Nov 22, 2019|title=HyperloopTT partners with Gaussin to develop self-driving freight vehicles|work=Industry Networker|url=https://www.industry-networker.com/news-hyperlooptt-partners-with-gaus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024224350/https://www.industry-networker.com/news-hyperlooptt-partners-with-gaus|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 24, 2020|access-date=Nov 3, 2020}}

HyperloopTT is involved in the development of a Hyperloop system in Venice through its subsidiary Hyperloop Italia, which leads the Hyper Builders consortium alongside Italian engineering firms Webuild, Leonardo, and RINA. Hyper Builders won a multiple stage contract for a hyperloop link between Venice and Padua in May 2023, with the first stage entailing the completion of a feasbility study, looking into the feasbility of a 10-kilometer prototype between Venice-Mestre and Padua. If all stages are completed, HyperloopTT aims to have a fully functional system operating by 2030, however the project does not have to be continued upon completion of the feasbility study.{{Cite web |last=Wade |first=Andrew |date=2024-02-02 |title=Venice could see Hyperloop in place by 2030 |url=https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/venice-could-see-hyperloop-in-place-by-2030/ |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=The Engineer |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Nick |title=New hope for UAE hyperloop system as Italian passenger line wins approval |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2024/02/17/new-hope-of-uae-hyperloop-system-as-italian-passenger-line-gets-green-light/ |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=The National |language=en}}

• List of crowdsourcing projects

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