Toyota Woven City: Open for Startup Collaboration

Toyota's Woven City: A Hub for Innovation

At CES 2025, Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor, unveiled his concept for Woven City – a dynamic environment designed to foster collaboration with startups and cutting-edge technology developers.

Toyoda extended an invitation to innovators worldwide, stating, “Consider this your official invitation to join us at Woven City,” emphasizing the project’s openness to those seeking to create impactful change.

Launch and Funding Opportunities

The anticipated launch of Woven City is scheduled for fall 2025, or shortly after. Toyota plans to initiate a pitch competition this summer.

Financial assistance will be provided through scholarships to “startups or individuals who need financial support to bring their ideas to life,” according to Toyoda’s announcement.

Evolution of the Vision

The initial vision for Woven City, first presented at CES 2020, centered on creating a city where residents and workers would interact with Toyota’s innovations, including autonomous e-Palette shuttles and robotic systems.

However, Toyoda clarified that the scope of the project has broadened significantly since its inception.

Expanding Technological Horizons

The current vision encompasses advancements in several key areas, including electric air taxis – with a specific mention of Toyota’s recent $500 million investment in Joby Aviation – autonomous vehicle technology, and even rocket technology.

Toyoda explained that the exploration of rocket technology is driven by the need for a robust telecommunications infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles.

Investment in Rocket Technology

A 7 billion yen ($44 million) investment has been made in Interstellar Technologies Inc., with Toyota leveraging its manufacturing expertise to facilitate the mass production of rockets.

Notably, Toyoda acknowledged that this venture may not necessarily generate direct profits.

A Commitment to the Future

Addressing the audience, Toyoda posed the question of profitability, then responded, “Well, maybe not, but that’s okay.”

He further stated that Toyota views its role as a global citizen to include investing in the collective future, sharing knowledge, and supporting novel concepts.

Project Development and Collaboration

Construction of Woven City began in February 2021 on the site of the former Toyota Motor East Japan’s (TMEJ) Higashi-Fuji Plant in Susono City.

Phase 1 focuses on buildings designed to encourage “co-creation” activities, and will welcome employees, scientists, entrepreneurs, and retirees as residents.

A former TMEJ Higashi-Fuji Plant facility is being repurposed as a manufacturing center, while preparations are underway for Phase 2.

The company intends to incorporate lessons learned from Phase 1 to refine its plans for subsequent development stages.

Current Participants

Several inventors and companies have already joined the Woven City initiative, including WbyT, alongside various startups and individual entrepreneurs.

Ongoing discussions are also taking place with previously announced partners such as ENEOS Corporation, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, and Rinnai Corporation.