ZELEROS GLOBAL SL

Their core work

Zeleros is a Spanish hyperloop technology startup developing the core hardware subsystems — magnetic levitation and linear propulsion — that would power a commercial hyperloop vehicle. Their technical work sits at the intersection of advanced transport engineering and clean mobility, focused on making ultra-high-speed ground travel viable for Europe. Beyond the hardware, they have also been involved in shaping the emerging European hyperloop industry: contributing to ecosystem-building efforts, technical roadmaps, and common specifications through multi-country consortia. As one of the few EU-based hyperloop companies to have received H2020 funding, they occupy a distinctive position in a sector that barely existed five years ago.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Zeleros entered the H2020 programme with a sharp hardware focus — their first project was entirely about developing physical levitation and propulsion subsystems, reflecting the company's engineering roots. By their second project (HYPERNEX, 2020–2022), the emphasis had shifted outward: from building the technology to building the industry, with keywords like 'roadmap', 'specifications', and 'European transport network' pointing to regulatory and ecosystem engagement. This is a classic trajectory for deep-tech startups that move from lab-scale proof-of-concept toward market preparation and standards influence.

Zeleros appears to be transitioning from subsystem R&D into a broader industry-shaping role, making them a candidate partner for future projects involving hyperloop standardisation, certification frameworks, or European transport infrastructure planning.

How they like to work

Zeleros is willing to lead — they coordinated their first H2020 project themselves, which is unusual for an early-stage SME and signals both confidence and organisational capacity. They also join larger consortia as a participant, as seen in HYPERNEX, suggesting they can flex between leadership and contributor roles depending on the project scope. Their network of 12 partners across 9 countries is broad relative to only two projects, indicating they actively seek diverse European alliances rather than relying on a fixed circle of repeat partners.

Zeleros has built a surprisingly wide European network for a two-project SME — 12 unique partners spread across 9 countries, suggesting deliberate outreach into multiple national hyperloop and transport communities. No single country cluster dominates, which is consistent with their pan-European transport ambitions.

What sets them apart

Zeleros is one of the very few European SMEs that has developed proprietary magnetic levitation and propulsion hardware for hyperloop — most European players in this space focus on consultancy, policy, or infrastructure rather than the core vehicle technology. Being Spanish adds value for consortia seeking Southern European representation while maintaining high-tech transport credentials. Their dual presence in both hardware R&D and ecosystem/standards work means they can contribute meaningfully at different stages of a project lifecycle.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Zeleros Hyperloop
  Their own SME Phase 1 award — Zeleros coordinated this project, receiving EUR 50,000 to develop levitation and propulsion subsystems, making it the clearest evidence of their core engineering capability.
• HYPERNEX
  A CSA project aimed at igniting the European hyperloop ecosystem through roadmaps and technical specifications, placing Zeleros inside the group that will likely define future EU hyperloop standards.