Japan – The Future of Accessibility: Toyota Mobility Foundation and MaRS Discovery District Launch the Mobility Unlimited Hub in Toronto

The Future of Accessibility: Toyota Mobility Foundation and MaRS Discovery District Launch the Mobility Unlimited Hub in Toronto

“Active mobility” is more than getting from A to B. It’s having the autonomy of movement that allows us to be actively independent, so we can pursue all the things that make life healthy, joyful and worthwhile. In a significant step towards creating a more inclusive society, Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and MaRS Discovery District are proud to announce the launch of the Mobility Unlimited Hub. This initiative aims to bridge the gaps in the ecosystem and accelerate the development and adoption of early-stage personal mobility technologies.

When people are free to move, they can broaden their horizons and fully realize their potential. The Mobility Unlimited Hub will work to foster innovation by offering a path to successful commercialization. It will bridge early-stage achievements and the capacity to succeed in the mass market. The range of resources provided to participants includes marketing and public relations support, funding opportunities, and avenues for collaboration. The initiative is underpinned by a commitment to community engagement and the creation of a supportive environment for startups and innovators in the active mobility sector.

“The Mobility Unlimited Hub is a beacon of innovation and inclusivity and 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,” stated Ryan Klem, Director of Programs at TMF.

Krista Jones, Interim CEO of MaRS, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This collaboration between MaRS and Toyota Mobility Foundation represents a commitment to leveraging technology and creativity to break down 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.” 

Canada has an estimated 8.0 million people who have at least one disability, representing 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older (or 20.9% of total population).*  72% of Canadians with disability reported having encountered some form of barrier to accessibility within the last year, and among those with physical disabilities, 44.9% required at least one type of aid or assistive device or an accessibility feature within their home**. However, over 30% of people with disabilities in Canada report unmet needs for assistive devices, highlighting the critical role of initiatives like the Mobility Unlimited Hub.

– Growing Demand: 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.***
– Critical Need: Over 1 billion people globally are in need of assistive technologies, a figure expected to double by 2050, highlighting the urgent requirement for innovative solutions.****
– Immeasurable Impact: The Mobility Unlimited Hub aims to meet these needs, providing sustainable and independent mobility experiences for all, especially those with disabilities.
– Economic Opportunity: The initiative is set to unlock significant economic benefits, with improved mobility solutions expected to contribute more than USD 10 trillion to the global economy over the next 55 years.***
– Health and Wellness Benefits: Enhanced access to assistive technologies is anticipated to offer an additional 1.3 years of ‘perfect health’ over the life cycle of each user.****
– Social Engagement and Inclusion: The Hub seeks to foster increased social engagement and inclusion, addressing issues of chronic loneliness and improving overall well-being.

While establishing the Mobility Unlimited Hub, Toyota Mobility Foundation and MaRS worked closely with Toronto Global, a team of experienced business advisors assisting global organizations to expand into the Toronto Region. Toronto Global hosted Toyota Mobility Foundation on a number of visits to Toronto, met with executives in Japan, and facilitated key connections with industry leaders.

“We are thrilled to support TMF and MaRS in leveraging the Toronto Region’s advanced technology ecosystem and resources for this health-tech breakthrough,” said Toronto Global CEO Stephen Lund. “Diversity and inclusion are key pillars to the Toronto Region’s values, this project will help the region further embrace inclusivity by creating a more accessible society for Canadians.”

The Hub is launching with the support of several 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, all united under the mantra, “Nothing about us without us”. This community-driven approach is fundamental to the Hub’s mission, ensuring that solutions are developed with direct input from those they aim to serve.

Call for Submissions for the First Cohort

The Mobility Unlimited Hub is now accepting submissions for its first cohort. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups specializing in active mobility technology are encouraged to apply and become part of a vibrant community working towards the common goal of advancing active mobility solutions.

The launch of the Mobility Unlimited Hub in Toronto is just the beginning. Toyota Mobility Foundation envisions establishing a network of Hubs around the world, each dedicated to addressing local mobility challenges while contributing to a global movement towards inclusive mobility solutions.

For more information about the Mobility Unlimited Hub and to submit your application for the first cohort, visit www.mobilityunlimitedhub.org.

About MaRS Discovery District

MaRS Discovery District helps Canadian startups succeed so they can solve our toughest problems in areas like climate, health and the economy. As North America’s largest urban innovation hub and a registered charity, MaRS provides direct support for more than 1,200 ventures, builds communities of innovators within its 1.5 million square feet of lab and office space and beyond, and spurs the adoption of new solutions — in Canada and around the world.

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.

Citations:
(1) Statistics Canada. (2022). www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231201/dq231201b-eng.htm,
(2) Statistics Canada. (2022) www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231201/dq231201b-eng.htm)
(3) Disabled and Elderly Assistive Technology Market: Global Industry Analysis, Trends, Market Size, and Forecasts up to 2030. Custom Market Insights. (2023, October).
(4) ATscale. The Case for Investing in Assistive Technology. 2020.

For media inquiries, please contact:
MaRS Discovery District: Wendy Bairos, wbairos@marsdd.com, 416-831-9820Toyota Mobility Foundation: Julie Ann Burandt, julieann.burandt@toyota.com, +1-646-413-4840

“Black to the Future,” a Black History Month Celebration of South Florida Black Founders Takes Place on Tuesday February 27 in Miami

 Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a night of inspiration, empowerment, and unity as they attend the “Black To The Future: Black Prosperity & Progress” event in Midtown Miami, at PS Social located at 51 Northwest 36th Street Miami, FL 33127.

The event will feature a range of activities, including:

A dynamic pitching event showcasing the innovative ideas and accomplishments of Black Founders.
Explorations of African history through the metaverse, offering a unique and immersive experience.
Thought-provoking discussions and engaging activities aimed at fostering unity and progress within the Black community.

“We are thrilled to host ‘Black To The Future: Black Prosperity & Progress’ at PS Social,” said Marc Lissade, Startup Grind Fort Lauderdale Director. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and culture of the Black community while also reflecting on the progress we have made and envisioning a brighter future for Black prosperity.”

The celebration invites attendees to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and envision a future filled with prosperity and progress for the Black community with a lineup of seasoned black founders, interactive activities, and opportunities for networking.

“We encourage everyone to grab their friends, family, and loved ones and join us for a night that will leave you inspired and uplifted,” added Kwamara Thompson Founders Live Miami City Leader. “Together, let’s make history and pave the way for a future filled with prosperity and progress for the Black community. See you there!”

The event is supported by several local black-led/owned organizations including Fitness + Financial Gains, PS Social, I Am A Black Woman Yes I Matter, BITE-CON, and The African Metaverse Museum, fostering community, inclusion, and access for local black founders. The networking mixer is generously being sponsored by Goslings.

Tickets for “Black To The Future: Black Prosperity & Progress” are available now. The event is open to all attendees of all backgrounds and will feature underrepresented founders, funders, and tech community partners. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://blacktothefuture.eventbrite.com or https://www.startupgrind.com/e/mykk2t/ or https://founderslive.com

About Marc Lissade
Marc Lissade is an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and the Director of Startup Broward, Startup Grind Fort Lauderdale as well as FoundersBoost South Florida. He is also the Founders Live Fort Lauderdale City Leader.

Marc is a veteran organizer of multiple Techstars Startup Weekends, Techstars Startup Week, and Global Entrepreneurship Week events among many other entrepreneurial support activities. Having explored many startup ecosystems, Marc believes that true innovation knows no geographical or financial bounds and has been hard at work helping build his local ecosystem.

As an innovation activist, Marc believes that innovation is a human right that has been historically overlooked. His new book on innovation is due out in Spring 2024.

About Kwamara Thompson
As a social entrepreneur, Kwamara Thompson has always been fighting for positive change by leading with her passion for education. As an accomplished speaker, consultant, educator, and activist, Kwamara has started multiple ventures throughout her career to help people improve their lives, to help organizations become equity and empathy focused, and to help alleviate the structures of systemic racism.

As an angel and seed investor, Kwamara and her umbrella company, TEC, LLC have helped to invest millions of dollars in small businesses across the country and have recently launched a fund.

As a philanthropist, Kwamara has helped to raise and give out hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students across the country.

Kwamara is recognized as an industry leader having been featured in multiple articles across the globe including CBS, NBC, Yahoo News, Business Insider, Boston Herald, MarketWatch, and more. She has spoken at numerous conferences across the country and has been featured on multiple podcasts.

Startup Grind Fort Lauderdale
Marc Lissade
305-707-7666
https://www.startupgrind.com/ft-lauderdale/

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Future Horizons Releases “The Hidden Curriculum, 25th Anniversary Edition”

 We are surrounded daily by unstated rules or expectations that make the world a confusing place. This “hidden curriculum” exists across environments, places, and people. Some people seem to learn the hidden curriculum and its impact almost automatically. Others learn the hidden curriculum only by direct instruction. And that is how this book can help.

In this third edition, the essential features of the original have been maintained and information on evidence-based practices has been added. In addition, the book provides a series of instructional strategies that can be used to teach the hidden curriculum. Instructional aids include charts, forms, and templates designed to make the job of teaching and learning the hidden curriculum more effective.

Future Horizons, Inc.
Carissa Williams
817-277-0727
https://www.fhautism.com/

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Future Electronics Solidifies as Leading Electronic Component Distributor in Energy Innovation Solutions

 Future Electronics, a global leading distributor of electronic components, is thrilled to relaunch a campaign centered around Energy Innovation solutions for its customer base.

With an extensive portfolio of advanced electronic components tailored for Energy Innovation applications, Future Electronics solidifies its leadership in delivering cutting-edge technologies to continue improving the environment.

As part of the worldwide campaign, Future Electronics will center themselves around four key, trending technology subsegments:

– EV Charging

– E-Mobility

– Solar & Renewable Energy

– Energy Storage

– Smart Grid & Metering

Future Electronics is committed to providing customers with state-of-the-art solutions across various Energy Innovation areas.

To learn more about the newly launched global initiative, visit www.FutureElectronics.com/our-solutions/energy-innovation.

For more information about Future Electronics and its 170 office locations in 44 countries around the world, visit www.FutureElectronics.com.

About Future Electronics

Future Electronics is a global leader in electronics distribution, recognized for providing customers with global supply chain solutions, custom-tailored engineering services and a comprehensive suite of passives and semiconductor products. Founded in 1968, Future Electronics has over 5,500 employees and operates in 170 offices in 44 countries around the world. Future Electronics is globally integrated, with a unified IT infrastructure that delivers real-time inventory availability and access to customers. With the highest level of service, the most advanced engineering capabilities, and the largest available-to-sell inventory in the world, Future’s mission is always to Delight the Customer®. For more information, visit www.FutureElectronics.com.

Media Contact

Jamie Singerman
Corporate Vice President – Worldwide
Future Electronics
www.FutureElectronics.com
+1 514-694-7710
Jamie.Singerman@FutureElectronics.com

Future Electronics
Jamie Singerman
514-694-7710
https://www.futureelectronics.com/
237 Hymus Boulevard
Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada, H9R 5C7

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Future Electronics Congratulates James Guenther for 20 Years of Service with the Company

 Future Electronics, a leading global distributor of electronic components, is celebrating employee James Guenther for 20 successful years of service with the Company.

Twenty years ago, James joined Future Electronics as a Systems Manager and Super User. In his first role with Future, James spent six months at Witron in Parkstein (Germany) learning about the Warehouse Management System (WMS) that would be implemented in the Southaven facility. “I really enjoyed learning a new system and helping with the implementation from the ground up. It was a new system that was not used widely in the U.S. at that time,” says James.

As a Super User of the WMS, James has developed the screens and operational processes needed to provide support between IT and Operations. “In this role I wear many different hats including customer service, operations manager, quality control, and shipping. The job is interesting because each day is a chance to learn something new.”

In addition to his work at the Southaven facility, James has also trained on Precision, the export and transportation management system and supported the installation of the WMS in Singapore and Leipzig.

James holds an associate degree in Industrial Engineering Technology from State Technical Institute at Memphis and a B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from the University of Memphis.

Outside of work, James loves to attend University of Memphis football games, take road trips, and spend time with his new granddaughter, Tenley.

Future Electronics congratulates James on this exciting milestone and thanks him for his passion and dedication. The Company looks forward to many more years of learning, innovation, and growth together.

About Future Electronics

Founded in 1968, Future Electronics is a global leader in the electronic components industry. Future Electronics’ award-winning customer service, global supply chain programs and industry-leading engineering design services have made the company a strategic partner of choice.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Future Electronics operates in 170 offices across 47 countries with over 5,200 employees. Its worldwide presence powers the company’s outstanding service and efficient, comprehensive global supply chain solutions. Future Electronics is globally integrated and supported by one IT infrastructure which provides real-time inventory availability and enables fully integrated operations, sales and marketing services worldwide.

Future Electronics’ mission is always to Delight the Customer®. For more information visit www.FutureElectronics.com.

Media Contact

Jamie Singerman
Corporate Vice President Worldwide
Future Electronics
www.FutureElectronics.com
514-694-7710
Fax: 514-693-6051
Jamie.Singerman@FutureElectronics.com

Future Electronics
Jamie Singerman
514-694-7710
https://www.futureelectronics.com/
237 Hymus Boulevard
Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada, H9R 5C7

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  • Electronics