Our solution's stage of development:
ResearchOur solution:
Delta Loop has created a strategy for implementing Hyperloop technology in the Vancouver – Delta corridor to reduce import/export bottlenecks, improve intermodal supply chain hub access, and provide responsive, sustainable networks for Vancouver communities. Delta Loop’s Hyperloop network will move cargo and consumer products between producers and urban community consumers.
Our pitch:
The problem:
Vancouver, British Columbia is a major trade route connecting Asia and North America, handling $0.5B/day of cargo. While handling 80% of Canada’s exports to the United States, the cargo industry is also the largest user of agricultural land in Vancouver at 148,204 hectares and 40% of industrial fresh water. With a $3.8 billion USD expansion plan, the industry will increase their consumption of fresh water and further reduce agricultural land available for farming. The country’s second most impoverished province will still be unable to meet the international cargo demand by 35%.
Why our solution will solve the problem:
Delta Loop will transform Canada cargo networks to bring consumers and businesses the trusted, sustainable supply chain that they need. The Hyperloop network features stations at Robert’s Bank Terminal, Vanterm/Centerm, the US-Canada Border, and in Delta. The Delta station is located beside the Deltaport Logistics Centre (with expansion room), which is an intermodal hub with unparalleled access to highways and railways. Delta Loop has conducted an initial feasibility analysis, business case, and implementation plan for (including ROW route planning). Delta Loop is currently Top 35 in the Hyperloop One Global Challenge for our business strategy work (https://www.deltaloop101.com).
Our target outcomes:
The Delta Loop Hyperloop network will impact a wide range of people and because of this, it is being developed as a public-private partnership. The major partners will include multiple levels of Canadian government, Hyperloop One (technology provider), and affiliated Port Operations companies. Additional minor partners include logistics service providers, railway companies, distribution and trucking companies, big box retailers, ecommerce companies, municipal waste disposal, local farmers, local fisheries, and more. Each party will experience strategic and financial benefits from the development of this infrastructure project. Ultimately, improving supply chains and increasing the responsiveness and sustainability of the communities of Vancouver.
How we will measure our progress:
The populations we will benefit initially:
The regions we will benefit initially:
The technologies we employ:
Why our solution is unique:
Delta Loop’s Hyperloop network in the Vancouver – Delta corridor is the ideal location and application of Hyperloop technology. The proposed Delta Loop Hyperloop network isn’t for moving people, but for transporting cargo. Vancouver is a major metropolis with intermodal access, industrial shipping ports, and local agriculture producers. The corridor is one of the biggest gateways between North America and Asia (and contains a US-Canada border crossing). The food and consumer products that are imported to and created in Vancouver are time-sensitive. Delta Loop’s purpose is to provide a responsive, sustainable supply chain network that adapts to consumer demand volatility.
Why our solution is human-centered:
The application of the Delta Loop Hyperloop network is where focus gets shifted from the Hyperloop technology to human consumers. The most commonly-mentioned benefit of Hyperloop technology is the speed of transport, however there isn’t further questioning into the actual financial benefits of “speed.” There are many materials and products that have no need for a “faster” supply chain, but only a supply chain with reduced volatility. Delta Loop is focused on using Hyperloop technology to responsively move consumer products that have high demand volatility and high variability. The purpose of the technology is to service human-centered, changing, demand needs.
How people will access our solution:
The solution will be implemented as a public-private partnership. The main partners of the Delta Loop Hyperloop network are big organizations, and the users of the Hyperloop network will be medium to large businesses covering import/export trade, food production, waste disposal, consumer retail, and ecommerce. Pricing for Hyperloop network usage is modelled on replacement of existing service costs. The impact to the people extends beyond improved services that will become available. The Delta Loop Hyperloop network is a major infrastructure project that will provide large amounts of jobs via construction and via direct and indirect employment of operation.
Technology-Readiness Level:
4-5 (Prototyping)How we will sustain our team financially:
The existing Delta Loop team has completed research, interviews, and the existing feasibility study out of their own “pockets.” Delta Loop has begun to create marketing and media rollout content and plans to start building momentum behind the idea of a Hyperloop network in Vancouver. This marketing and media rollout is being timed to align with the eventual announcement of the Hyperloop One Global Challenge winner’s announcement. Winning the challenge will be a catalyst for Delta Loop’s work to exit the initial strategy and feasibility study stage and enter into a funding and partnership discussions stage. Hyperloop One has agreed to assist with funding and partnership discussions for Hyperloop One Global Challenge winners. Hyperloop One is currently piloting Hyperloop technology in Nevada. At this point, Delta Loop will considering scaling up team resources.
The factors limiting our success:
The main factor limiting Delta Loop’s success is the large partnership agreements needed for a major infrastructure project. The coordination of Hyperloop One, the Greater Vancouver Area municipal governments, provincial government, federal government, associated regulatory bodies, and identified port authority / port companies will require lengthy consultation and planning. Conversations attached to Delta Loop’s initial strategy and feasibility study have begun with each of these parties. A secondary factor limiting Delta Loop’s success is the delivery of a Hyperloop technology fitted for TEU cargo by Hyperloop One for an eventual project initiation date.
How long we have been working on our solution:
1 yearHow long it will take to develop a pilot:
18+ monthsHow long it will take to scale beyond our pilot:
18+ monthsOur expected annual budget:
$100000
How much of our budget we've secured to date:
$10000
Our promotional materials:
https://www.deltaloop101.com/hyperloop-vancouver-challenge-submission/
We're looking for partners in these fields:
Why we're applying to Solve:
Delta Loop is applying to Solve to learn from and contribute to the network of experts at MIT. Delta Loop will need to start understanding how to progress from developing a business strategy to engage in partnership discussions about major infrastructure implementation. Solve offers a community of mentors from all steps and stages of start-up solution development. Ultimately, Delta Loop feels that we offer unique strategic outlook and can provide energy beyond our specific application in the Vancouver region.
Our current partners:
Current partners include: Hyperloop One.
Delta Loop has held discussions and informal feedback sessions with Port of Vancouver, University of Calgary, IBM, Deloitte, and PwC, as well as numerous interviews with British Columbian companies in raw materials production, shipping, trucking, etc.
Solution Team
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Spencer Kerber Delta Loop
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Samantha Visser DeltaLoop
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Our Solution
Delta Loop Hyperloop Network