Toyota Mobility Foundation
Press Release

Toyota Mobility Foundation and MaRS Renew Mobility Unlimited Hub Programming, Announce Call for Second Cohort Applicants

TORONTO, CANADA

May 1, 2025 –Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) in collaboration with MaRS Discovery District is extending support for the inaugural cohort of the Mobility Unlimited Hub, a program designed to help startups scale groundbreaking active mobility solutions. Following a successful first year, the program is now seeking global applications for its second two-year-long cohort, offering innovative ventures the opportunity to develop and commercialize technologies to improve accessibility and active mobility worldwide. Applications open Thursday, May 1 and close Thursday, June 12, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST. Applicants are encouraged to attend our virtual applicant webinar on May 30th at 10:00 a.m. EST to learn more about the program.

Driving Innovation in Active Mobility

The Mobility Unlimited Hub accelerates the development and adoption of rehabilitative, assistive, and adaptive mobility technologies, providing pre-growth stage startups with active mobility innovations with access to industry expertise, funding opportunities, and commercialization pathways. The program fosters collaboration among entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders to ensure that impactful mobility solutions reach the people who need them most.

Milestones from the Inaugural Cohort

The Mobility Unlimited Hub cohort saw tremendous growth and impact in its first year with participating startups securing funding, launching new products, and expanding into global markets.

Success Stories Include:

  • More than $5 million Canadian in funding secured across the cohort. 
  • Braze Mobility Inc. received two patents, helping them expand into Europe and scale in the U.S.
  • Trexo Robotics Inc. users surpassed 100 million steps, helping children with mobility challenges gain greater independence.
  • AWL-Electricity showcased its wireless charging solution, the Agile Station, at the Paris Para games in partnership with WHILL France, accelerating their entry into international markets.
  • Axtion Independence Mobility Inc. launched pre-orders in the U.S. for the RAYMEX™ Lift after receiving its establishment registration and device listing from the US FDA earlier this year.
  • Deaf AI secured key partnerships, including with the Kanata North Business Association, as well as international speaking engagements.  
  • Cheelcare is raising $3.5 million and will be publicly listed on the TSX Venture Exchange following its reverse takeover of Departure Bay Capital Corp. 

Building on this momentum, the second cohort will connect ten new startups to the bespoke resources and networks needed to bring their innovations to market.

“At MaRS, we believe startups are the driving force behind breakthrough innovations that make the world more inclusive. The Mobility Unlimited Hub is a testament to what happens when we invest in bold ideas and technologies with the potential to change lives and reach the people who need them,” said Grace Lee Reynolds, CEO, MaRS Discovery District. “With this renewal, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping entrepreneurs scale their solutions and transform mobility on a global scale.” 

Call for Applications: Personal Mobility Ventures Encouraged to Apply

With nearly a quarter of Canadians–or over eight million people aged 15 years and older–living with one or more disabilities (Statistics Canada), the need for innovative personal mobility solutions has never been greater. The Mobility Unlimited Hub seeks to support startups tackling these challenges with scalable, impactful technologies. Entrepreneurs working on active mobility solutions are encouraged to apply.

“Toyota Mobility Foundation is committed to fostering inclusive mobility solutions that empower people globally,” said William Chernicoff, Director of Global Research and Innovation for the Toyota Mobility Foundation. “The success of the first cohort has demonstrated the immense potential of this program, and we’re excited to welcome a new wave of innovators.”

Global Vision for Inclusive Mobility

The continued expansion of the Mobility Unlimited Hub in Toronto marks a major step toward   inclusive and accessible mobility. TMF envisions building a global network of Hubs, each dedicated to addressing mobility challenges unique to different regions, while contributing to a worldwide movement for accessible mobility solutions. If your organization is interested in joining the Toronto community, please reach out to mobilityunlimitedhub@marsdd.com.

The Mobility Unlimited Hub’s ecosystem operates with the support of a wide range group of organizations including Access to Success, ClusterBridge, George Brown College, Global Startups, KITE UHN, Linamar iHub, Lynxx, Ontario Home Health, Samaritan Partners, Sheridan College, Schulich Startups, Sixty Degree Capital, Toronto Global, University of Toronto, and Woven Capital. Guided by the principle, "Nothing about us without us", the program ensures that mobility solutions are co-developed with input from those they are designed to serve. 

For more information about the Mobility Unlimited Hub and to submit your application for the second cohort, visit Mobility Unlimited Hub.

About MaRS Discovery District

MaRS Discovery District is a charitable organization and North America’s largest urban innovation hub, dedicated to helping Canadian technology companies succeed. With a focus on climate, health sciences and other emerging technologies, MaRS supports startups tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues.

MaRS spans more than 1.5 million square feet of cutting-edge office, lab, meeting and event space in downtown Toronto. MaRS has helped ventures generate $11.5 billion in cumulative revenue, raise $19 billion in funding, and create and maintain more than 33,000 jobs. The MaRS platform also includes MaRS IAF, one of Canada’s top seed-stage venture funds. Through its world-class facilities, strategic programs and partnerships, MaRS accelerates the adoption of groundbreaking Canadian technology and bolsters a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.

About Toyota Mobility Foundation

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) was established in August 2014 by the Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) to support the development of a more mobile society in which everyone can move freely. The Foundation underscores TMC’s on-going commitment to continuous improvement and respect for people. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise and technologies to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. TMF works in partnership with universities, governments, non-profits, research institutions and other organizations, creating programs that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address mobility issues around the world.

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