Toyota has taken another important step forward in its transformation into a mobility company through the launch of Toyota Open Labs. This new open innovation platform has been developed to help business start-ups collaborate with established units across the Toyota ecosystem and unitedly contribute to a sustainable future that redefines mobility.
By embracing a knowledge-sharing ethic with Toyota, business start-ups have the opportunity to forge a partnership that could drive their technologies towards global recognition while contributing to a greener, more connected world.
Toyota Open Labs launches with a call for business start-ups working across the following key categories:
- Energy. Technologies and systems to facilitate energy transition, hydrogen economy, grid balancing, energy management, smart charging, and vehicle-to-grid energy transfers.
- Circular Economy. Technologies and systems to enable the recovery, recycling, and reuse of vehicles and batteries.
- Carbon Neutrality. Technologies and systems to help companies and society reduce carbon emissions, and digitalisation to enable transparent life cycle assessment.
- Smart Communities. New business models and solutions to develop and support smart communities through vehicle sharing, subscriptions, and mobility hubs.
- Mobility for All. Solutions to overcome mobility barriers, strengthen mobility systems and mobilise low-carbon communities, addressing the needs of an aging society and devising universal designs for all users.
Visit the Toyota Open Labs platform for more information, participation requirements and to apply for the programme.
Start-ups selected during the open call period will be able to engage with a diverse network of advisors and mentors, open new growth pathways, enhance their business strategy and investment opportunities, make informed product enhancements and build relationships to help make a global impact.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop a proof of concept with Toyota, explore market entry routes, and partner with the Toyota ecosystem. Each participant will receive development support and the chance to showcase their technology at a demo event that will take place in August 2024 in Paris, France.
What potential is there for business start-ups with Toyota Open Labs?
“If you are a start-up focused on solving tomorrow’s sustainability and mobility challenges, Toyota Open Labs is the right place for you. Toyota is developing mobility systems that will sustainably reinvent how we live, work, and play on a global scale. [This] represents a unique opportunity to turn bold start-up visions into reality through unparalleled support from our innovation ecosystem.”
Kylie Jiminez, senior vice president of People, Tech and Corporate Affairs at Toyota Motor Europe
“Solving mobility and sustainability challenges is a critical issue that deserves to be on the world’s biggest stages. Europe’s vibrant innovation ecosystem in these areas presents immense potential, and we are excited to partner with start-ups to help transform their exciting early-stage ventures into scalable solutions.”
George Kellerman, vice president of Investments and Acquisitions, Woven by Toyota; and managing director of Woven Capital
“KINTO’s mission to accelerate Toyota’s transition to a mobility company cannot be achieved without the contribution of external partners, aligned with its transformative mission and strategy. [This] platform is the perfect place for start-ups to engage with us in this fundamental transition.”
Miguel Fonseca, chief executive officer at KINTO Europe
“In our fast-changing environment where sustainability and circularity embody the new normal, we strongly support initiatives such as Toyota Open Labs to bring new ideas, strengths and momentum to cultivate our group’s uniqueness.”
Laurent Gallois, head of Business Development at Toyota Tsusho Europe
“To bring our vision [of ever-better mobility] to life, we support start-ups with innovative ideas that help us build a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and carbon free. [This] platform is a great way to grasp new ideas and future visions of mobility from start-ups all around Europe.”
Monica Perez Lobo, director of Toyota Mobility Foundation Europe
Toyota Open Labs partners include:
- Toyota Tsusho Europe – the trading and supply chain arm of the Toyota group
- KINTO Europe – the Toyota group’s mobility brand
- Woven Capital – Toyota’s growth stage venture fund
- Toyota Mobility Foundation – a non-profit foundation by Toyota
