Toyota Motor Europe has announced the launch of Toyota Open Labs, a groundbreaking open innovation platform aimed at fostering startups in the realms of energy, circular economy, carbon neutrality, smart communities, and Mobility for All. “Toyota is developing mobility systems that will sustainably reinvent how we live, work, and play on a global scale,” says Kylie Jimenez, SVP People, Tech & Corporate Affairs at Toyota Motor Europe.
The Five Pillars of Innovation
Energy
The platform focuses on technologies that facilitate the energy transition, such as hydrogen economy, grid balancing, and smart charging. “Technologies and systems to facilitate the energy transition, hydrogen economy, grid balancing, energy management, smart charging, and vehicle-to-grid energy transfers,” the press release states.
Circular Economy
Toyota Open Labs is also keen on technologies that enable the recovery, recycling, and reuse of vehicles and batteries. “Technologies and systems to enable the recovery, recycling, and reuse of vehicles and batteries,” according to the official press release.
Carbon Neutrality
The initiative supports technologies that help companies and society reduce carbon emissions. “Technologies and systems helping companies and society reduce carbon emissions, and digitalization to enable transparent life cycle assessment,” says George Kellerman, VP of Investments & Acquisitions at Woven by Toyota.
Smart Communities
The platform aims to develop smart communities through vehicle sharing, subscriptions, and mobility hubs. “New business models and solutions to develop and support smart communities,” mentions Miguel Fonseca, CEO of KINTO Europe.
Mobility for All
The initiative is committed to creating fair-value solutions to overcome mobility barriers and strengthen systems. “Fair-value solutions to overcome mobility barriers, strengthen mobility systems and mobilize low-carbon communities,” the press release outlines.
Partners and Opportunities
Toyota Open Labs is in partnership with various arms of the Toyota ecosystem, including Toyota Tsusho Europe, KINTO Europe, Woven Capital, and Toyota Mobility Foundation. “We aim to ‘Be the Right ONE’ in our fast-changing environment where sustainability and circularity embody the new normal,” says Laurent Gallois, Head of Business Development at Toyota Tsusho Europe.
Benefits for Startups
Selected startups will receive unparalleled support, from mentorship to the opportunity to showcase their technology at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. “Participants will have the possibility to develop a Proof of Concept with Toyota, explore routes to go to market, and partner up with the Toyota ecosystem,” the press release informs.
In Summary
Toyota Open Labs represents a unique opportunity for startups to turn their innovative visions into reality, backed by Toyota’s extensive innovation ecosystem. As Monica Perez Lobo, Director of Toyota Mobility Foundation Europe, puts it:
“The Toyota Open Labs platform is a great way to grasp new ideas and future visions of mobility from startups all around Europe.”
With such a comprehensive platform, the future of sustainable mobility and innovation looks brighter than ever. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this exciting initiative. Feel free to leave a comment below!
