- 9 finalist startups innovating in the fields of Mobility for All and Sustainability completed the Toyota Startup Accelerator 2 bootcamp
- Mix of entrepreneurs, C-level executives and Toyota experts offered an intense learning experience to support startups in the next stage of their development
- 5 winning startups selected after the bootcamp will receive funds and support from Toyota to develop a Proof of Concept towards June 2022
Brussels, – Kicked off in July 2021, the second edition of Toyota Motor Europe (TME)’s Toyota Startup Accelerator reflects our Beyond Zero commitment to go further than reducing CO2 emissions by helping to build more inclusive, sustainable societies around the world. The focus of this edition is on the fields of Inclusive Mobility, Carbon Neutral, Circular Economy and Life Cycle Footprint Assessment. The 9 best startups, selected out of over 140 applications from 42 European countries, completed the bootcamp.
The bootcamp is the first part of the intense learning experience designed to help the startups hone their business projects. Toyota, together with its partner ISDI (Digital Business School), fostered a hands-on, interactive and engaging learning experience in different areas including agile product design, working with corporations, talent scouting, Intellectual Property Rights, internationalisation strategy and more. A mix of entrepreneurs, C-level executives and Toyota experts interacted with the participants sharing their knowledge and insight.
Comments from participating startups“
During the startup roundtable session, experienced entrepreneurs gave good, honest explanations of common startup issues and challenges.
Jaume Puig (CEO & Co-founder at Biel Glasses„Tweet“
The talent scouting session was inspiring. Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Communications are important values for a leader. When you lead by example, you can create a productive, thriving business with happy, loyal employees.
Roger Preston (CEO at TRESOIL)„Tweet“
The startup roundtable was particularly relevant and insightful. The entrepreneurs shared openly their experience including failures and dead-ends.
Florian Turk (Co-founder at Microwave Solutions GmbH)„Tweet“
It was very helpful and motivating to see successful startups in front of our eyes. I especially liked their explanations of what they would have done differently.
Belén Moreno (Sales & Marketing Coordinator at HySiLabs)„Tweet
To explore collaboration opportunities that could generate the best shared value for the startups and TME, the Toyota experts also shared insights into Toyota’s operations in Europe such as product planning, Toyota Production System and R&D development processes.
After several selection rounds, 5 winning startups were chosen to enter the final 6-month acceleration phase. These startups will receive funds and develop their projects into a Proof of Concept supported by business mentors and Toyota guides. The 5 winners will pitch their Proof of Concept at the Demo Day in June 2022. TME may offer the opportunity for further cooperation.
