Toyota Motor Europe and partners have launched an open call for the second cohort of the Toyota Open Labs innovation initiative which aims to connect startups with Toyota group business units and support their ambitions to scale up and contribute to a sustainable future.
Image Credit: Toyota Open Labs
This second programme will empower startups looking to scale their innovative mobility ideas. Selected companies will work with key Toyota businesses on six strategic categories:
- BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) Energy Ecosystem: technologies and systems for energy transition, including grid balancing, energy management, smart charging and vehicle-to-grid energy transfers
- Hydrogen Ecosystem: solutions supporting the development of a hydrogen economy
- Carbon Capture and Reduction: technologies to help reduce carbon emissions
- Circular Economy: systems for recovery, recycling and reuse of vehicles and components
- Smart Communities: solutions supporting vehicle sharing, subscriptions and mobility hubs
- Mobility for All: solutions to overcome mobility barriers and address the needs of an ageing society
These categories are critical themes that will amplify Toyota’s efforts to promote AI, education and inclusivity.
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; and Toyota Mobility Foundation, a non-profit foundation by Toyota.
Leon Van Der Merwe, VP Circular Economy and Energy Business at Toyota Motor Europe, said: “To solve the challenges society is facing, we are transforming to more sustainable ways of managing energy as well as developing a truly circular business model. We can’t do this alone; we need the best minds and technologies out there to collaborate with us.”
Selected startups will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse network of advisors and mentors to enhance their business strategy and investment opportunities, make informed product improvements and build relationships to help make a global impact.
Participants will develop a Proof of Concepts, explore market routes and partner with the Toyota ecosystem. Each will receive development support and a chance to showcase their technology at the 2025 Demo Day.
Nicole LeBlanc, Partner at Woven Capital, added: “Thanks to a well-structured and unique process, Toyota Open Labs enables both the business unit and the startup to have clear expectations and deliverables, to achieve their respective goals and ideally catalyse a long-term collaboration and business relationship. I’m excited to work closely with Open Labs startups as we continue to shape the future of mobility together.”
Applications for the new cohort will run until the 20 December. Selected companies will be informed in February 2025 and a Demo Day will be scheduled for September or October 2025.