At CES 2025, Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda unveiled his ambitious plan for Woven City, a dynamic living laboratory filled with startups and technology. This prototype city, situated on a 175-acre site at the base of Japan’s Mount Fuji, is now open for innovative minds and entrepreneurs.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to individuals across the globe who are inspired to create change. Join us at Woven City and make your mark,” Toyoda announced during his keynote speech. He indicated that Woven City is set to commence operations in the autumn of 2025 or shortly thereafter.
This summer, Toyota will host a pitch competition and offer scholarships to Woven City aimed at “startups or individuals seeking financial backing to turn their ideas into reality,” Toyoda added.
Toyoda initially presented his vision for Woven City five years ago at CES 2020. At that time, the concept focused on creating a utopian community where residents could experience and engage with all of Toyota’s initiatives, including autonomous e-Palette shuttles and robotics.
However, Toyoda’s vision has significantly broadened. During his presentation, he discussed electric air taxis, prominently mentioning Joby Aviation, a company in which Toyota recently invested $500 million, along with advancements in autonomous vehicle technologies and even rockets.
Following the press conference, Toyoda elaborated on his fascination with rockets, highlighting their potential role in establishing a robust telecommunications network that is essential for supporting autonomous vehicle technology. Woven City has committed a 7 billion yen ($44 million) investment in the startup Interstellar Technologies Inc. and plans to utilise Toyota’s expertise to aid in the mass production of rockets.
Interestingly, Toyoda admits that the financial viability of this venture remains uncertain.
“You might be contemplating whether Woven City will be a profitable endeavour for Toyota,” Toyoda queried the audience. “Perhaps not, but that’s perfectly fine. As global citizens, I believe Toyota has a responsibility to invest in our shared future, disseminate our knowledge, and nurture new ideas.”
Ground was broken for the project in February 2021 on the former site of Toyota Motor East Japan’s (TMEJ) Higashi-Fuji Plant in Susono City. The inaugural phase encompasses buildings designated for collaborative activities. Toyoda confirmed on stage that employees, scientists, entrepreneurs, and even retirees will be welcomed to reside at Woven City.
In addition, Toyota is renovating a former facility of TMEJ Higashi-Fuji Plant into a manufacturing hub. Preparations for Phase 2 are underway; however, work on this phase is expected to be delayed as the company aims to glean insights from Phase 1 to refine its future developmental strategies.
Several innovators have already committed to Woven City, including WbyT, alongside various external companies, startups, and independent entrepreneurs. Woven City continues to engage with previously announced partners such as ENEOS Corporation, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, and Rinnai Corporation, according to company updates.
