The deadline for the Toyota Ventures 2022 call for innovation was May 31, and we are still reviewing applications. While the call for innovation is now closed, our investment team is always open to receiving startup pitches via this online form.

Calling All Innovators

The 2022 call for innovation is focused on making the factory of the future a reality sooner. We’re looking to invest in promising companies that are creating technologies to enable smarter, flexible, connected factories that will amplify people and improve efficiency and sustainability.

The 2022 call for innovation is an opportunity to receive between $500,000 and $2 million in venture capital funding from Toyota Ventures through our Frontier Fund or Climate Fund. In addition, we’re partnering with Toyota’s Manufacturing Project Innovation Center (MPIC) and Toyota Research Institute, and selected startups might also get a chance to collaborate with Toyota on a proof-of-concept project.

Software and/or hardware solutions are welcome, and some of the areas we’re exploring include:

  • 3D simulation
  • Artificial intelligence and computer vision
  • Augmented reality
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Robotics software and/or hardware (adaptive robots; collaborative robots; autonomous mobile robots)
  • Solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint in factories
  • Technologies to advance electrification and battery manufacturing
  • Cybersecurity and data analytics
  • Worker training and safety tools

If your company fits our investment thesis, you have a working prototype and viable business model, and haven’t raised more than $10 million in outside funding, we encourage you to apply to the call.

We are actively reviewing applications on a rolling basis, now through May 31, 2022. Since this is not a contest or competition, all applications will be subject to our usual rigorous review standards. Therefore, we cannot guarantee we will make an investment.

Eligibility

The call for innovation is open to startups around the world that meet the following criteria:*

  • Raised less than $10 million USD in funding
  • Have a working prototype to demonstrate your solution
  • Business model solves a market need and delivers value to customers
* Additional rules apply to submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the call for innovation different from the way Toyota Ventures typically finds startups to invest in?

    While our investment team will continue to evaluate startups that reach out to us, are referred to us, or that we discover our own, the call for innovation is a way for us to more precisely signal to startups what we’re looking for.

    It is also a way to spur innovation. Perhaps you are working on a startup that has similar technology that is being applied to a different product, or you are thinking about forming a startup but haven’t done so yet. The call for innovation is designed to attract qualified startups, and catalyze innovation.

  • Who do I contact if I have a question about my application, or want to update information that I have already submitted?

    You can email info@toyota.ventures with questions about your application. However, please do not use that email address to apply or share supporting materials.

  • How will startups that apply for the third call for innovation be evaluated?

    We will evaluate your startup on the basis of your team, technology, business model, and go-to-market strategy, as well as the impact that your solution will ultimately have on helping people, among other factors. In addition, we will invite subject matter experts from Toyota’s MPIC team and TRI’s team to help assess the startup’s technical capabilities and approach.

  • If I applied for the call for innovation, will I get to meet with the Toyota Ventures team?

    While we may follow-up with some applicants to request more information, or to schedule a follow-up call or meeting, we will not be able to meet with every startup that applies.

  • Do startups need to be based in the United States, or travel to the U.S. for meetings?

    No. The call for innovation is open to qualified startups around the world, and you are not required to travel for an in-person meeting or event in the United States. However, if you are invited to meet with our team in the United States and you decide to do so, please note that you will be responsible for all of your own travel arrangements and expenses.

  • Is Toyota Ventures guaranteeing that it will invest in one of the startups that applies for the call for innovation?

    No. While our intention is to invest in one or more startups as a result of this call for innovation, we can not guarantee in advance that we will make an investment because it depends on the startups that apply. Qualified startups will be evaluated carefully, and will be subject to standard diligence before any investment is made.

  • Is there a deadline to apply for the call for innovation? When will I know the status of my application?

    The deadline for the call for innovation was 11:59 PDT on May 31, 2022, and submissions were reviewed on a rolling basis. Our team will notify you via email as soon as a decision is made regarding your startup’s application. Please be patient as it may take us several weeks to review and respond to your application.

Terms of Participation

With the 2022 call for innovation, we are looking to invest $500K - $2M in early-stage startups that are developing solutions that will help smart automation and sustainable manufacturing. Please review the following guidelines carefully before applying; by submitting the form, you are agreeing to these terms and the Application Terms:

  • Only one application per company, please. All applications are subject to the Application Terms.
  • Your startup must meet the eligibility criteria outlined above, and be looking to raise capital within the next six months.
  • The call for innovation is not a contest or competition, and there are no “prizes.” It is an opportunity to get your startup’s solution in front of the Toyota Ventures team. Toyota Ventures is not agreeing to compensate you in any way as a result of applying, and all eligible participants are subject to standard diligence before any investment is made.
  • Applications should be submitted by one of the startup’s founders, or someone approved to apply on behalf of the founder(s), and should only include information about your company that you are authorized to share. Please avoid submitting highly sensitive or confidential information. Read our Privacy Policy to learn about our information security and privacy practices.
  • By applying, you acknowledge that you are giving Toyota Ventures, Toyota Research Institute, and other Toyota affiliates the right to review the information you have submitted, and to request additional information from you as needed to further evaluate your startup.