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Swissloop Tunneling

Winner of the Not-a-Boring Competition 2024

About Swissloop Tunneling

Microtunneling on another level.

We are the official ETH student team working on next-generation micro tunnel boring machines (MTBMs). Founded in late 2020, we’ve grown into a team of over 100 active members and alumni, bringing together students from more than 12 countries and a wide range of engineering and business disciplines. Whether you’re into mechanical design, electronics, software, project management, finance, design, or communications—there’s a place for you on the team.

View Press Kits & Annual Reports

Yearly to Biennial Competitions

So far, Swissloop Tunneling has competed in three editions of the Not-a-Boring Competition, won once, placed second twice, and brought home three awards. We intend to continue participating in such international competitions abroad, whilst working on our first self-hosted competition in Europe in the future.

Real Impact

We’re working on developing real-world tunneling technology that could transform how cities build infrastructure—faster, cleaner, and with minimal disruption. Our tunneling systems can help reduce road and open urban area closures and pursue utility projects with minimal surface impact. The primary use case for such a technology is the deployment of water, gas, and electrical pipelines.

Meet the Groundhog series

8.19

Total Length

200

Propulsion Force

0.606

Diameter

3.1

Machine Weight

Become Part of our Team

After its founding in September 2020, the Swissloop Tunneling team grew significantly, involving over 100 people throughout its first three seasons.
Students from all over the globe from different universities and backgrounds come together and bring their expertise into the association. The common goal: develop innovative MTBMs and revolutionize the underground industry.
Interested in joining the team?

Become a trusted Partner

Swissloop Tunneling is creating synergies with industry and university partners to build a network to revolutionize the tunneling industry.
Interested in a partnership opportunity?

Enough Talk, Let's Work Together

Follow Our Progress

1st Place
NOT-A-BORING-COMPETITION 2024
Bastrop, TX, USA
Champion Award
NOT-A-BORING-COMPETITION 2024
Bastrop, TX, USA
2nd Place
NOT-A-BORING-COMPETITION 2023
Bastrop, TX, USA
Innovation Award
NOT-A-BORING-COMPETITION 2023
Bastrop, TX, USA
2nd Place
NOT-A-BORING-COMPETITION 2021
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Innovation & Design Award
NOT-A-BORING-COMPETITION 2021
Las Vegas, NV, USA