Minister Sophie Hermans opens international European Hyperloop Week in Veendam
On Monday, 14 July 2025, outgoing Minister for Climate and Green Growth, Sophie Hermans, has officially opened the European Hyperloop Week (EHW) in Veendam. The opening ceremony took place at the European Hyperloop Center (EHC), Europe’s 420-meter hyperloop technology testing & demonstration center.
The European Hyperloop Week is an international event bringing together over 30 student teams from technical universities across Europe and beyond to showcase their innovative hyperloop prototypes. Approximately 500 students are participating in the competition, where they will be evaluated on technical performance, design, and innovation.
Joining Minister Hermans at the opening ceremony was Annelies Pleyte, Mayor of Veendam; Mario Padrón Tardáguila, Chair of the EHW Foundation; and Kees Mark, Managing Director of the EHC. Prior to the official ceremony, the minister got a tour of the test site and an explanation of the facility’s unique capabilities.
The EHC Facility has been delivered by Hard Hyperloop in 2024, and is an open test facility and a central hub in the European hyperloop ecosystem. It enables realistic full-scale testing of high-speed travel and lane switching — critical steps toward the development of an ultra-fast, sustainable transportation system.
“We are honored to host this international event in Veendam,” said Kees Mark. “The European Hyperloop Week brings together young talent, academic institutions, and governments to shape the mobility of the future.”
With this event, the European Hyperloop Center strengthens its position as a leading hub for technological innovation, knowledge exchange, and European collaboration in the field of hyperloop technology.
