Summary
Team Avishkar has received investment from L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS)
The team is aiming to build the world’s largest student-developed Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras
A team of students from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has received investment from global pure-play engineering services provider L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS) for innovations in Hyperloop – a high-speed transportation system wherein a train-like vehicle travels in a near-vacuum tube.
LTTS is providing funding and technical support to Team Avishkar of IIT Madras for their Hyperloop project. It will enable the team to further gain traction on its breakthrough disruptions in the emerging domain of Hyperloop-based transportation solutions for futuristic commuting experience.
In a Hyperloop, the reduced air resistance allows the capsule inside the tube to reach speeds of more than 1000 km/h. Elon Musk proposed the idea of Hyperloop to the world in 2013 through a whitepaper ‘Hyperloop Alpha.’
Commenting on this project, V Kamakoti, director, IIT Madras, said, “The vacuum tube, when developed, will be the first of its kind in academia anywhere globally and would be on par with the test facility of the commercial entity, Virgin Hyperloop One in the USA. As such, ours would be the only one of its kind available in public, which we intend to utilise to organise international Hyperloop competitions.”
Avishkar Hyperloop is a student team from the Centre for Innovation at IIT Madras. It focuses on revolutionising transportation with Hyperloop technologies. It is a 70-member strong interdisciplinary team, drawing members from 11 different academic disciplines.
Mahesh Panchagnula, dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, said, “CSR funds invested in developing sustainable technology solutions is the only way to be ready for tomorrow’s challenges. We are excited that LTTS has chosen this route.”
Team Avishkar is aiming to build the world’s largest student-developed Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras and is hoping to complete the construction of this 500-metre long Hyperloop facility by the end of this year. This facility will be constructed at Discovery Campus, the Satellite campus of IIT Madras located about 35 km from the main campus.
Amit Chadha, CEO and managing director, L&T Technology Services Limited, said, “The future of everyday commuting will be determined by the innovations and disruptions that we as a human race pursue today. LTTS, with its focus on ER&D and digital engineering, is committed to pushing the boundaries of modern transportation. As an engineering organisation we always look forward to rendering support on R&D activities for upcoming technologies.”
Last updated on 12 May 2022
