Swisspod, a pioneering Swiss-American venture established in 2019 by Denis Tudor and Cyril Dénéréaz, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful closure of its pre-Series A funding round. This crucial financial infusion is set to propel the development of what promises to be the world's largest hyperloop testing facility, situated in Colorado, USA. The venture aims to redefine high-speed transportation for both passengers and freight, leveraging cutting-edge technology to usher in a new era of efficiency and sustainability.
Participation in the pre-Series A funding round included notable entities such as Charlie Holding, E-INFRA Group, and Polysys Industries, alongside several business angels, underscoring the widespread interest and confidence in Swisspod's ambitious vision.
Denis Tudor, CEO of Swisspod, highlighted the transformative potential of their technology, emphasizing, This funding round enables us to pave the way for a transportation revolution that's practical and futuristic. Our ultra-fast and sustainable hyperloop system addresses the challenge of cost-effectiveness through advanced technology integrated within self-contained pods.
The capital raised through this funding initiative will accelerate the completion of Swisspod's second hyperloop facility in Colorado, encompassing an expansive 162,000 square meters—an area three times larger than the Louvre and double the grounds of the White House. This facility is set to become the world's largest hyperloop testing hub, featuring a unique closed-loop configuration tailored for long-distance hyperloop missions, ensuring precise and efficient validation of their groundbreaking technology.
Already making strides in the United States, Swisspod has commenced construction, with initial hyperloop tubes spanning 100 meters already installed and plans underway for an additional 100 meters, marking significant progress towards testing their full-scale hyperloop product.
In Europe, Swisspod has pioneered hyperloop trials at Switzerland's inaugural testing facility in collaboration with Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL, and Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud, HEIG-VD. Their accomplishments include a record-breaking 9.6 km journey, equivalent to 115.2 km for the full-scale system, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Supported by grants from the Swiss government and a €3.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council and Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, Swisspod is also advancing the Muspell project. This initiative focuses on optimizing thermal management in hyperloop systems, ensuring efficient and sustainable operation.
In a bid to expand its global footprint, Swisspod has forged strategic partnerships with both the Swiss and Indian governments, as well as Indian startup TuTr Hyperloop, to drive hyperloop technology development and commercialization in India, a move set to revolutionize transportation infrastructure in the region.
