Collaboration seeks to accelerate research and development of hyperloop technology
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the dedicated ‘applied research’ pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and Virgin Hyperloop (VH), recently announced their collaboration on research, innovation and localization of the futuristic transportation method.
The agreement was signed by Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General, ATR and Sultan Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World and Chairman of Virgin Hyperloop, during a virtual ceremony.
Transporting passengers and goods at speeds exceeding 1,000km/h, hyperloop is a completely new form of transport with the ambition to become the most sustainable means of mass transportation. Technology Innovation Institute and Virgin Hyperloop will explore research for hyperloop systems on TII’s premises, including pulsed power and magnetic levitation technologies and material sciences, which are key to developing the next-generation transport system.
“Advanced technology allows us to progress every aspect of life and collaborations with industry partners like Virgin Hyperloop help leverage it for the greater good,” remarked Al Bannai.
“We are one step closer to ushering in a new era of ultra-fast, sustainable movement of people and goods,” commented Bin Sulayem.
Hyperloop is a cutting-edge technology that will drive entrepreneurship and leadership in the transportation space through the partnership with TII. This in turn will provide opportunities for economic growth through the creation of a strong R&D hub in line with the country’s vision”.
“Abu Dhabi’s thriving technology sector will provide a perfect location as we look to advance hyperloop technology and foster successful public-private partnerships with key organizations within the ecosystem,” noted Harj Daliwal, Managing Director, Middle East and India, Virgin Hyperloop.
The partnership not only creates an opportunity for a research hub but also provides Abu Dhabi with a first mover advantage on a passenger and cargo system. A hyperloop network in the Arabian Gulf region could move up to 45mn passengers per year, powered by solar panels covering the tube, a press communiqué indicated.
