CES 2025 - Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda unveiled an ambitious vision at CES 2025, declaring his innovative prototype city, Woven City, open for business and actively seeking forward-thinking startups and inventors. This living laboratory, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan, aims to be a hub for cutting-edge technology and collaborative innovation.
"Today, I extend an invitation to anyone with a vision for a better future," Toyoda announced. "Join us at Woven City and let's make a real difference."
A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
Woven City, slated to launch in late 2025, will serve as a real-world testing ground for a wide range of technologies, from autonomous vehicles and robotics to advanced telecommunications and even space-based infrastructure.
To foster this collaborative environment, Toyota is launching a pitch competition this summer, offering scholarships to support startups and individuals in bringing their innovative ideas to life within the Woven City ecosystem.
Beyond Automobiles: A Vision for the Future
Toyoda's vision extends far beyond traditional automotive boundaries. He emphasized the role of electric air taxis, highlighting the company's significant investment in Joby Aviation. Furthermore, Toyoda expressed a keen interest in rocket technology, emphasizing its crucial role in developing robust telecommunications networks essential for supporting autonomous vehicles and other cutting-edge technologies.
To advance this space-focused endeavor, Toyota has invested 7 billion yen ($44 million) in the startup Interstellar Technologies Inc., leveraging its own expertise to accelerate rocket mass production.
A Commitment to the Future
Acknowledging the potential for long-term returns, Toyoda emphasized that Woven City represents a commitment to investing in the collective future: "I believe Toyota has a responsibility to share our knowledge, support new ideas, and contribute to a better world."
Progress and Future Plans
Groundbreaking for Woven City commenced in February 2021, with the initial phase focusing on "co-creation" spaces. The city will be a dynamic community, welcoming employees, scientists, entrepreneurs, and retirees to live and work alongside cutting-edge technologies.
Concurrently, Toyota is repurposing a former manufacturing facility into a dedicated manufacturing hub. While the timeline for Phase 2 remains uncertain, the company plans to meticulously analyze the learnings from Phase 1 to refine its long-term development strategy.
Early Successes and Ongoing Collaborations
Several innovators, including WbyT, have already joined the Woven City community. The city continues to engage with prominent companies like ENEOS Corporation, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, and Rinnai Corporation, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for technological advancement.
In Conclusion
Woven City represents a bold step towards a future where technology seamlessly integrates with human life. By fostering a collaborative environment and embracing cutting-edge innovation, Toyota aims to create a model for sustainable, technologically advanced urban living.
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