Future Transportation Technology Being Tested at TEKNOFEST

Hyperloop technology, which will revolutionize global transportation, is making its debut in Turkey as part of TEKNOFEST 2025. The TEKNOFEST Hyperloop Development Competition , organized by TÜBİTAK , will take place at the TÜBİTAK Gebze Campus from August 26-31, 2025.

The Hyperloop system, which could enable ground-based travel at speeds close to the speed of sound, relies on capsules that travel through low-pressure tunnels using magnetic levitation without contact with the rails. First introduced in 2013, this technology, though its first passenger test run was conducted in 2020, is still under development and is attracting significant interest worldwide. The competition, organized as part of TEKNOFEST , aims to expand the knowledge of young engineers in this field and encourage them to develop innovative solutions.

In 2025 , 280 teams and 793 members from 37 different provinces applied for the Hyperloop Development Competition. Thirteen teams and 279 competitors from seven provinces successfully passed the rigorous reporting and testing phases, earning a place in the finals. The competition is open to national and international associate, undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students .

What Awaits the Teams in the Final?

In the final phase, teams will showcase their capsules in a specially designed 208-meter-long test tunnel. The capsules are expected to rise from the rails using magnetic levitation, accelerate, and then stop safely at a predetermined interval by activating the braking system. The tunnel, with its steel-reinforced structure and communication and security systems, offers a realistic testing environment.

Awards and Innovation Categories

In addition to the competition's performance awards, the Innovation Awards , Steel Levitation Award , and the Board's Special Award will also be presented. Innovation Awards will be presented in the categories of electromagnetic levitation, propulsion system, infrastructure, communication, mechanical system (brake, integration, capsule), and socioeconomic impact. The winning teams will receive first-place prizes of 250,000 TL , second-place prizes of 200,000 TL , and third-place prizes of 150,000 TL .