Toyota Expands Open Labs Program to Drive Startups in Sustainable Mobility Solutions

Toyota Expands Open Labs Program to Drive Startups in Sustainable Mobility Solutions

(IN BRIEF) Toyota Motor Europe has launched a second cohort of the Toyota Open Labs initiative, aiming to connect startups with Toyota’s business units to foster innovations in sustainable mobility. The program focuses on six key areas, including BEV energy ecosystems, hydrogen, carbon capture, and circular economy, with selected startups developing Proof of Concepts and showcasing results at Demo Day in September 2025. Toyota’s partners in this program include Toyota Tsusho Europe, KINTO Europe, and Woven Capital. Applications are open until December 20, 2024, with selections announced in February 2025.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 25-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Toyota Motor Europe, alongside key partners, has launched a call for applications for the second cohort of Toyota Open Labs, an innovation platform that connects high-potential startups with Toyota’s business units to drive mobility transformation and support a sustainable future. This initiative seeks to help growth-ready startups develop and scale solutions in six key strategic areas: BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) energy ecosystems, hydrogen, carbon capture, circular economy, smart communities, and mobility for all.

Participants in this cohort will develop Proof of Concepts with Toyota, work with a diverse network of advisors, and gain insights to refine their business and product strategies. In addition, each startup will receive support to navigate the market and foster connections within Toyota’s ecosystem, with the ultimate goal of showcasing their innovations at Demo Day in September 2025.

Toyota’s partners for this program include Toyota Tsusho Europe, KINTO Europe, Woven Capital, and the Toyota Mobility Foundation. Leon Van Der Merwe, VP of Circular Economy & Energy Business at Toyota Motor Europe, highlighted the collaboration’s importance, stating, “To address today’s societal challenges, we’re evolving toward sustainable energy and circular economy models. Collaborating with the brightest innovators will help us achieve these ambitious goals.”

Applications are open until December 20, 2024, with selections to be announced in February 2025. For more details on Toyota Open Labs and to apply, visit toyotaopenlabs.com.

About Toyota Motor Europe:

Toyota Motor Europe oversees wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota, GR (Gazoo Racing) and Lexus vehicles in Europe. The company employs over 27,000 people and has invested more than €10 billion in Europe since 1990. For more information, visit www.toyota-europe.com.

About Toyota Open Labs:

Toyota Open Labs is an open innovation platform that unites startups with business units across the Toyota ecosystem to scale innovation and lead the market into the next phase of mobility. The program aims to power Toyota’s transformation to a mobility company by deepening its expertise across energy, the circular economy, carbon-neutral technologies, smart communities and mobility for all initiatives. Partner companies include Toyota Motor Europe, Toyota Tsusho Europe, KINTO Europe, Toyota Mobility Foundation, and Woven Capital. Learn more at toyotaopenlabs.com.

Media Contacts:

Robert Tickner
Head, Corporate & Product Communications
robert.tickner@toyota-europe.com
+32 2 745 5279

Paul Greaves
Senior Manager
paul.greaves@toyota-europe.com
+32 2 745 2345

Kaori Hasegawa
Senior Specialist
kaori.hasegawa@toyota-europe.com
+32 2 745 3525

Kristina Jasaityte
kristina.jasaityte@toyota-europe.com
+32 2745 2769

Vanessa De Vuyst
Senior Specialist
vanessa.de.vuyst@toyota-europe.com
+32 2 745 5031

SOURCE: Toyota