In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering innovation and inclusivity, the Mobility Unlimited Hub has been unveiled in Toronto, Canada. Spearheaded by the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) in collaboration with MaRS Discovery District, the hub seeks to address the pressing need for enhanced mobility solutions, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Ryan Klem, Director of Programs at TMF, emphasized the hub’s role in promoting inclusivity and innovation. “The Mobility Unlimited Hub is a beacon of innovation and inclusivity,” stated Klem. “It seeks to shine a light on the growing prevalence of disability, position the mobility market as one worth investing in, and help more people lead active, healthy lives.”
Krista Jones, Interim CEO of MaRS, echoed this sentiment, underlining the commitment to leveraging technology and creativity to overcome barriers to mobility. “It’s about creating not just new pathways for movement, but also catalyzing the development and adoption of early-stage personal mobility technologies while accelerating commercialization in this crucial field,” said Jones.
The initiative comes at a crucial time for Canada, where an estimated 8.0 million people have at least one disability, representing 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older. With 72% of Canadians with disabilities encountering accessibility barriers within the last year, the Mobility Unlimited Hub aims to address these challenges head-on by providing resources and support for startups and innovators in the active mobility sector.
Key statistics underscore the significance of the hub’s mission:
- The marketing opportunity of Active Mobility Technology was valued at over $48 billion in 2022, with projections to nearly double to $90 billion by 2030.
- Over 1 billion people globally are in need of assistive technologies, a figure expected to double by 2050.
- Improved mobility solutions are anticipated to contribute more than USD 10 trillion to the global economy over the next 55 years.
The launch of the Mobility Unlimited Hub is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various community members, including Access to Success, George Brown College, Global Startups, Linamar iHub, KITE UHN, Sheridan College, Toronto Global, University of Toronto, and Woven Capital. Their collective mantra, “Nothing about us without us,” underscores the community-driven approach central to the hub’s mission.
Stephen Lund, CEO of Toronto Global, expressed enthusiasm for supporting TMF and MaRS in leveraging Toronto’s advanced technology ecosystem. “Diversity and inclusion are key pillars to the Toronto Region’s values,” said Lund. “This project will help the region further embrace inclusivity by creating a more accessible society for Canadians.”
With its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement, the Mobility Unlimited Hub is poised to revolutionize accessibility and inclusion, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
