MaRS Discovery District and the Toyota Mobility Foundation have announced the selection of seven Canadian startups to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Mobility Unlimited Hub in Toronto. These startups are set to revolutionize personal mobility with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing accessibility and independence.
Following a rigorous selection process from over 50 applications across Canada, the chosen startups represent diverse backgrounds, emphasizing inclusive innovation within the mobility sector. Each selected venture includes at least one management team member from underserved groups, such as persons with disabilities, BIPOC communities, females, non-binary individuals, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
“We are thrilled to support these promising startups through the Mobility Unlimited Hub, accelerating their innovations and bringing transformative mobility solutions to market,” stated Alison Nankivell, CEO of MaRS Discovery District. The partnership with the Toyota Mobility Foundation aims to address pressing mobility challenges and foster inclusive mobility solutions.
The launch of the Mobility Unlimited Hub in Toronto marks a significant step towards building a global network of hubs dedicated to tackling local mobility issues worldwide. William Chernicoff, Head of Research & Innovation at the Toyota Mobility Foundation, emphasized the focus on “active mobility,” prioritizing solutions that enable independence and enhance quality of life.
Cohort Participants Include:
- AWL-Electricity: Developing autonomous and wireless charging stations for motorized mobility aids.
- Axtion Independence Mobility Inc.: Creator of the RAYMEXTM Lift, a portable mobility device aiding in daily activities.
- Braze Mobility Inc.: Innovator of blind spot sensors for wheelchairs to enhance user safety.
- Cheelcare: Designer of advanced mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities.
- Deaf AI: Providing AI-based voice-to-sign language interpretation for Deaf individuals.
- Seleste Innovations Inc: Developer of smart glasses for the visually impaired.
- Trexo Robotics Inc.: Maker of robotic exoskeletons enabling children with mobility disabilities to walk independently.
The Mobility Unlimited Hub offers participants pathways to commercialization, comprehensive support in marketing, public relations, funding opportunities, and collaborative avenues.
The initiative is bolstered by support from community partners including Access to Success, ClusterBridge, George Brown College, Global Startups, Linamar iHub, KITE UHN, Sheridan College, Sixty Degree Capital, Toronto Global, University of Toronto, and Woven Capital. This collaborative effort ensures solutions are developed inclusively, reflecting the needs and insights of the communities they serve.
