Skip to main content

Hyperloop opens global innovation centre for logistics in Brazil

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) has opened a global innovation centre in Minas Gerais, Brazil, with the intention of creating an ecosystem to help solve global challenges in logistics. Called XO Square, the 43,000 sq/ft facility will house the company’s logistic research division, a fabrication lab and an ecosystem of global companies, startups, universities, innovators, scientists and governments. XO Square is supported by the government of the State of Minas Gerais, the State of
April 10, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
8535 Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) has opened a global innovation centre in Minas Gerais, Brazil, with the intention of creating an ecosystem to help solve global challenges in logistics.


Called XO Square, the 43,000 sq/ft facility will house the company’s logistic research division, a fabrication lab and an ecosystem of global companies, startups, universities, innovators, scientists and governments.

XO Square is supported by the government of the State of Minas Gerais, the State of Minas Gerais Research Foundation, the Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais and the Municipality of Contagem.

This agreement was secured through a public-private partnership with its first phase valued approximately $7.85m (£5.5m). The investment includes contributions from HyperloopTT, the Secretariat of Economic Development, Science, Technology and Higher Education (SEDECTES).

Miguel Corrêa, state secretary of SEDECTES, said: "The government of Minas Gerais works towards promoting the State's innovation and entrepreneurship scenario, encouraging young people to become involved in research and technology. Our objective is to connect large companies and startups, generating businesses and smart solutions for different areas. Knowing that Minas Gerais will host HyperloopTT's research center, means that we are contributing with the State's economic growth throughout different paths, such as science, technology and innovation. This choice strengthens and boosts credibility for the actions being developed by the government.”

Related Content

  • October 29, 2018
    HyperloopTT appoints engineering firm to build commercial system in Abu Dhabi
    Hyperloop Transportation Technologies has appointed engineering firm Dar Al-Handasah to begin construction of a Hyperloop system in Abu Dhabi in the third quarter of 2019. The project also includes a Hyperloop commercial track and an centre for logistics which it calls XO Square. In April, HyperloopTT unveiled an XO square centre in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The facility houses the company’s logistic research division, a fabrication lab and what the company refers to as ‘an ecosystem’ of global companies, s
  • August 1, 2019
    Virgin to build 35km Saudi hyperloop test track
    Virgin Hyperloop One is working with Saudi Arabia’s Economic City Authority (ECA) to conduct a study to build a 35km test and certification track. The company claims its technology can reduce travel times between cities: it says the trip from Riyadh to the Red Sea port of Jeddah would be slashed from 10 hours to 76 minutes, for example, with the Riyadh-Abu Dhabi route cut from 8.5 hours to 48 minutes. The study will take place in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), located 100km north of Jeddah. It w
  • January 24, 2024
    TRB 2024 challenge spurs smart transportation innovation
    The Center for Urban Informatics and Progress at UTC, Amazon Web Services, the National Science Foundation, the City of Chattanooga and ITS America sponsored the Transportation Forecasting Competition at TRB 2024: and the challenge threw up some fascinating projects
  • August 9, 2018
    Hyperloop development facility to open in Spain
    Virgin Hyperloop One will open a development and testing centre in Malaga, Spain, in a bid to accelerate the development and testing of hyperloop technology. The facility is expected to be complete by 2020. The initiative, valued US$500m, stems from an agreement with the state-owned infrastructure agency Administrator of Railway Infrastructures. Virgin Hyperloop One will receive €126m in public aid through loans and grants to help establish the centre and advance its technology development.