Toyota’s Woven City Opens Doors to Tech Startups

At CES 2025, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda shared a bold vision for the future. There, he introduced Woven City, a testing ground for startups and new technology.

“Today, I say to anyone around the world who wants to make a difference: please consider this your official invitation to join us at Woven City,” Toyoda said. He added that the city will launch in fall 2025.

According to Toyota, Woven City will cover 175 acres near Mount Fuji in Japan. Toyota says the city will serve as a center for innovation.

Toyoda made one message clear: Woven City wants inventors. This summer, Toyota plans to launch a pitch competition. In addition, the company will also offer scholarships to startups and individuals who need financial support.

“If you need support to make your ideas real, we want you,” Toyoda said.

From CES Concept to Real Project

Toyota first introduced the idea of Woven City five years ago at CES 2020. At the time, Toyoda described a future city where people could live and work alongside Toyota’s newest projects. These included autonomous e-Palette shuttles and robots.

Since then, however, the project has grown rapidly. Toyoda discussed electric air taxis and highlighted Toyota’s recent $500 million investment in Joby Aviation. In addition, he spoke about the company’s work in autonomous vehicle technology.

Most notably, Toyoda discussed rockets.

Toyota Expands Into Space Technology

After the press conference, Toyoda explained Toyota’s growing interest in space technology. The company wants to use rocket technology to build communication systems for autonomous vehicles.

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Toyota has already invested 7 billion yen, or about $44 million, in startup Interstellar Technologies Inc. The company also plans to use its manufacturing expertise to support large-scale rocket production.

Toyoda also addressed concerns about profits.

“I know what you are thinking. Will Woven City make Toyota any money?” he asked. “Maybe not, but that’s okay.”

He added that Toyota has a responsibility to invest in the future and support new ideas.

Construction and Future Plans

Toyota began building Woven City in February 2021. The project sits on the site of the company’s former Higashi-Fuji Plant in Susono City.

The first phase focuses on buildings designed for collaboration. Employees, scientists, entrepreneurs, and retirees will live and work together there.

Toyota will then move to Phase 2. Toyoda said the company will use lessons from the first phase to improve future development.

Several inventors have already joined the project. Toyota is also in talks with companies such as ENEOS Corporation, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, and Rinnai Corporation.

As the project grows, Toyota hopes Woven City will become a place where innovation is part of everyday life.