Hyperloop UPV
The Hyperloop UPV concept is a levitating rail-free pod design. Using magnetic repulsion and air cushioning for levitation is expensive and can produce unpredictable forces. The pod is equipped with a hybrid system of permanent magnets and electromagnet units, being able to control lift, so it can hover from the top of the tube. That way, the pod doesn't need so much electricity to be lifted by itself. Propulsion is obtained through expansion of the air with a nozzle, located at the rear of the pod, achieving speeds of up to 1000 km/h. The turbine recovers energy from the flow allowing a more efficient journey. This clean tube layout is said to cut costs in up to 30% of the whole Hyperloop project (about 180m USD) and the possibility to comfortably fit more passengers.
Bibop Gresta
He founded Bibop, S.p.A., a content production and distribution company. In 1999 he sold 40% of the company to Telecom Italia for 11 bln IT lira. He was involved with a number of startups and new-media ventures, until moving to the United States in 2013. At the end of 2014 he co-founded Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, and has since appeared widely as a speaker extolling the technology.