Cornell Hyperloop Wins Prestigious Award for Magnetic Levitation Innovation

In an era of continuous innovation, five remarkable students from Cornell Hyperloop have risen to prominence on the international stage. Their participation in the 2025 Hyperloop Global Conference held at Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada, proved to be both a challenging and rewarding experience, culminating in recognition for their innovative work on magnetic levitation (mag-lev) control modeling. According to The Cornell Daily Sun, this team is pushing the boundaries of hyperloop technology, preparing to dramatically enhance transportation systems as we know them.

From Concept to Reality: The Vision Behind Hyperloop

The aspiration to integrate hyperloop technology into mainstream transportation was first advanced by Elon Musk in 2013. The concept features a pod capable of reaching speeds over 600 miles per hour within a vacuum tube, significantly reducing air drag. “The idea is to reduce air drag to make it more optimal and efficient,” explained Lalo Esparza ’26. Cornell Hyperloop’s ambitious efforts are a testament to the team’s dedication to transforming this visionary idea into a functional reality.

A Collaborative Journey

Cornell Hyperloop is organized into three critical subteams: electrical, mechanical, and business. This collective effort was pivotal in preparing for the competition. Claire Choi ’28, the business development lead, highlighted the invaluable growth potential these technologies hold for improving future lives. “These types of technologies could grow into something substantial,” she enthused, echoing sentiments of shared promise and innovation within the team.

Achieving Excellence: Award-Winning Innovation

The team’s mathematical modeling of mag-lev technology earned them a prestigious award at the conference. This achievement was a proud moment for all members, particularly for graduating seniors whose efforts propelled the team to success. With newfound recognition, Cornell Hyperloop is determined to continue innovating and refining their pod designs.

Building on Momentum: The Path Forward

Drawing inspiration from the conference, team members are now focusing on developing their own motor and levitation systems—a departure from relying on purchased components. “We’re trying to come up with our unique design,” Esparza stated confidently. This initiative promises to revolutionize the team’s approach, showcasing their commitment to research and development.

Networking and Growth Opportunities

For those aspiring to join Cornell Hyperloop, Esparza and Choi advocate the benefits of engaging in project teams. Networking at such conferences presents opportunities to share ideas with like-minded peers and encourages solving complex challenges cooperatively. “You also get to have fun with like-minded people,” added Esparza, emphasizing the event’s dual nature of learning and enjoying.

As the team gears up for future competitions and conducts recruitment for new members, the future remains bright for Cornell Hyperloop. Their journey symbolizes a continuous quest for knowledge and innovation, illuminating a still-nascent field with boundless potential.