This project serves as a testament to Toyota’s expertise and vision, reminiscent of the popular television series “Eureka.”

Located at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan, Woven City will be a sprawling campus across 175 acres dedicated to the development of future technologies. Toyota has announced that it will begin accepting applications from companies and individuals seeking financial support to bring their ideas to life, starting this summer.

Several “inventors,” as Toyota refers to these partner companies, have already committed to developing technology at Woven City. These include Japan’s Daikin Industries, Ltd., a major player in the air-conditioning industry, and UCC Japan Co., a well-known coffee company. Ltd.; and instant food giant Nissin Food Products.

John Absmeier, the CTO of Woven by Toyota, the automaker’s next-generation technology subsidiary, stated that while the Japanese companies were selected initially, discussions are underway with several other entities. “We are going to start taking applications, and we’ve already entertained over 6,000 inquiries,” Absmeier said. He also noted that the program is open to individuals from a variety of backgrounds. It’s a multinational population.”

Those selected initially, according to Absmeier, are companies seeking to reimagine the experiences they can deliver in a connected city of the future. One company, for example, specializes in vending machines. “They’re trying to re-imagine what the experience of vending is,” Absmeier said. “UCC is thinking about coffee experiences in the city, how can they deliver different ways of enjoying food and beverages.”

Absmeier stated that the initial participants will include Toyota Group employees, followed by startup employees, academics, and the general public. “We are extending invitations to individuals as well as earlier-stage companies that possess an idea, passion, a good idea, and a business plan, but may lack capital. He added that those companies will “come into the city and make [their ideas] more mature.”

Woven City is possibly the most significant and prominent symbol to date of Toyota’s initiative to transform its traditional automotive business and ensure its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.

Toyota continues to be the world’s leading car manufacturer in terms of sales volume, generating substantial profits. While it does not currently face the challenges experienced by European conglomerates like Volkswagen and Stellantis, Toyota is losing ground in the Chinese market, which was previously very profitable. Chinese automakers are gaining market share in several markets.

Furthermore, China’s automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the adoption of electrification and advanced connected software features. This has prompted Japan’s automakers to accelerate their technological efforts to maintain competitiveness in the international market. The technologies developed at Woven City by new Toyota partners could potentially balance the competitive landscape. However, the establishment of a dedicated testing site for autonomous vehicles would be equally, if not more, valuable.

Absmeier stated that Woven City members will be required to possess a certain type of residence status in Japan, with the option to reside there for a duration of one or two years. The project places a particular emphasis on individuals who are interested in this opportunity in “achieving zero fatalities by traffic accidents, which is, a big goal of Toyota.”

Probably to the disappointment of Toyota’s board and investors, Toyoda insisted that with Woven City the idea is not to “make money” but to produce technologies that make the world better. “At Woven City, we are trying to have a project that will never be completed,” Toyoda said. “That’s because we are trying to create the future. The purpose of this project is not to make money.”

Toyoda has specified that, within roughly five years, he aims for Woven City to evolve into a “normal” city where people can live and carry out their daily goings-on as usual, albeit with tools and technologies developed exclusively in this location.

“But when you look into the details, there will be various tools provided there that city’s residents are using, and maybe tools that we don’t have today being used inside of the houses, inside of the city, on the roads,” Toyoda said, “all embedded and seeming normal.”

It is our hope that these initiatives will prioritize the well-being of individuals and not result in an increase in governmental control over our lives. Toyota has demonstrated consistent adherence to social and corporate standards, which is a positive indication.