HypED, a student-led initiative from the University of Edinburgh, propels British engineering into the spotlight through Elon Musk’s SpaceX Hyperloop Competition. By pioneering advancements in Hyperloop technology and reimagining the role of hydraulics, the team shapes a bold new future for high-speed transportation.
Twenty-five elite teams from around the world gathered at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California to compete in the Hyperloop Pod Competition – a bold initiative to accelerate the future of ultra-high-speed transportation. The event showcased prototype pods racing through SpaceX’s mile-long Hyperloop test track, designed to simulate travel inside a low-pressure transit tube.
Elon Musk famously described the Hyperloop as “a cross between a Concorde, a railgun, and an air hockey table.” The concept involves passenger pods traveling at near-supersonic speeds through vacuum-sealed tunnels, dramatically reducing friction and revolutionising long-distance travel.
The University of Edinburgh’s HypED team was one of the few student groups shortlisted for the final round of SpaceX’s Hyperloop Pod Competition, held in Hawthorne, California. Their selection placed them among the global elite working to advance Hyperloop technology, a concept poised to redefine high-speed transportation.
The HypED team began sourcing components for their prototype pod – specifically the hydraulic systems required for its braking mechanism. That search led them to Hydraulics Online, a UK-based supplier known for its technical expertise and responsive service.
“Hydraulics Online was the only supplier who responded to our requirements. Hydraulics Online took the pressure off.” – Adam Anyszewski, President, HypED
Bespoke Consultancy Services That Delivered
Hydraulics Online’s design consultancy services played a pivotal role in advancing the HypED team’s entry for the Hyperloop Pod Competition. Their support helped transform a conceptual design into a manufacturable, safety-compliant solution.
“We had our idealistic design of how we wanted it to work, and then Hydraulics Online helped us take it from an idea on paper to an actual design that can be manufactured effectively. The input we got from Hydraulics Online was really something we couldn’t get elsewhere. They have been very, very helpful.” – Adam Anyszewski, President, HypED
The HypED team collectively praised Hydraulics Online’s deep technical knowledge, access to specialist components, and understanding of safety and manufacturing standards – all of which proved essential in building a viable Hyperloop pod.
Hyperloop Competition – A Fantastic Achievement
The HypED team’s journey to California marked a remarkable milestone in UK engineering innovation. As the only UK team and one of just five European teams selected to compete at the prestigious SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition, their achievement stood out on a global stage.
At the SpaceX facility, HypED’s pod impressed during pre-run testing, earning praise for its functionality, robustness, and compact design. Fellow competitors also commended the high-quality manufacturing, a testament to the team’s engineering precision and collaborative spirit.
Adam says:
Getting to California was super-exciting and super-stressful but Hydraulics Online’s ability to take the pressure off us has been of significant benefit. Hydraulics Online have been very, very helpful.
Although HypED’s pod didn’t get the chance to race – after SpaceX reduced the number of competing pods from five to three – their engineering efforts still earned admiration. The competition was ultimately won by the Technical University of Munich, whose pod reached a speeds of over 200 mph, securing their fourth consecutive victory.
But HypED’s story didn’t end there…
Their commercial team achieved a landmark success in the Hyperloop One Global Challenge, emerging as one of ten winners from over 2,600 global entries – and the only student team to do so. Their winning proposal outlined a visionary Hyperloop route connecting Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and London, designed to revolutionize UK transport by slashing travel times and boosting regional connectivity.
This recognition placed HypED not just among elite engineering teams, but at the forefront of shaping the future of high-speed travel.
Staying HypED for the Next Challenge
Buoyed by their strong showing, the HypED team officially entered the next iteration of the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition, which shifted focus to achieving maximum speed with a self-propelled prototype. The challenge was tougher, the stakes higher – but HypED’s spirit was undeterred.
“We’re going to California next year to rock it!” — Adam Anyszewski, President, HypED
In their own words, the team was “staying hyped”, confident and ready to push the boundaries of high-speed transport once again. With lessons learned and fresh ambition, HypED set their sights on building a faster, smarter pod – one that could compete with the best on the world stage.
Whether you're helping to preserve the past or, like Adam and team, you're engineering solutions that will redefine the future… we're here.
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