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MaRS and Toyota Mobility Foundation renew Mobility Unlimited Hub programming, announce call for second cohort applicants

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Ten new ventures will join the program as the inaugural MUH cohort continues to advance personal mobility solutions.

TORONTO, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ – Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) in collaboration with MaRS Discovery District is extending and expanding support for the Mobility Unlimited Hub, a program designed to help startups scale groundbreaking active mobility solutions. The Mobility Unlimited Hub, which launched in 2024, is seeking applications from innovative ventures around the world to join a second cohort. Participants gain access to resources, talent and expert guidance that accelerate their path to market. Applications open Thursday, May 1 and close Thursday, June 12, 11:59 p.m. EST. Applicants are encouraged to attend our virtual applicant webinar on May 30 at 10 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 by fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders. The program provides pre-growth stage startups with access to industry expertise, funding opportunities and commercialization pathways. 

Milestones from the inaugural cohort 
The Mobility Unlimited Hub cohort saw tremendous growth and impact in its first year. Participating startups secured funding, launched new products and expanded into global markets.

More than $5 million in funding was secured across the cohort.Braze Mobility Inc. received two patents, helping the company expand into Europe and scale in the U.S.Trexo Robotics Inc. enabled children with mobility challenges to gain greater independence as users of the company’s tech took more than 100 million steps.AWL-Electricity showcased its wireless charging solution, the Agile Station, at the Paris Para games in partnership with WHILL France, accelerating its entry into international markets.Axtion Independence Mobility Inc. launched pre-orders in the U.S. for the RAYMEX™ Lift in early 2025 after receiving its establishment registration and device listing from the U.S. FDA.Deaf AI collaborated on a groundbreaking roadway safety project with  the Kanata North Business Association and secured other key partnerships and international speaking engagements. Cheelcare is raising $3.5 million, completed a reverse takeover of Departure Bay Capital Corp. and will be publicly listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. 

Call for applications: Personal mobility ventures encouraged to apply
Building on this momentum, the second cohort will connect 10 new startups to the resources and networks needed to bring their innovations to market. Entrepreneurs working on active mobility solutions are encouraged to apply.

“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,” says 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.” 

With more than a quarter of Canadians — or more than eight million people aged 15 years and older — living with one or more disabilities, there is an undeniable need for innovative personal mobility solutions. The Mobility Unlimited Hub seeks to support startups developing scalable technologies to effectively tackle these challenges.

“Toyota Mobility Foundation is committed to fostering inclusive mobility solutions that empower people globally,” says 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 Toyota Mobility Foundation 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. The continued expansion of the Mobility Unlimited Hub in Toronto marks a major step toward achieving this goal. 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 range of organizations, including Access to Success, ClusterBridge, George Brown College, Global Startups, KITE UHNLinamar 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 the groups and individuals this technology is  designed to serve.

Visit the Mobility Unlimited Hub web page for more information about the program, including instructions on how to submit applications for the second cohort. 

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.

SOURCE MaRS Discovery District

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TotalEnergies ENEOS signs 15-year PPA with Thailand’s Jintana Intertrade

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NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TotalEnergies ENEOS and Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd. (Jintana), an established Thai garment manufacturer, signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to develop a 650 kilowatt-peak (kWp) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Jintana’s manufacturing plant in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The rooftop solar installation, with approximately 1,000 solar PV modules, is expected to generate over 1,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually. This will supply around 55% of the site’s total electricity needs and will help avoid more than 480 tons of CO2 emissions annually for Jintana.

Under the PPA, TotalEnergies ENEOS will fully finance, design, install, operate and maintain the system, while Jintana buys the electricity produced throughout the duration of the agreement. This partnership offers Jintana substantial benefits, primarily through electricity cost savings, long-term energy price stability and enhanced sustainability credentials.

“We are pleased to sign this 15-year deal with Jintana, marking the start of our partnership to support their sustainability goals,” said Alexandru Buzatu, Director of TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pacific. “More corporates are adopting solar energy to reduce costs and meet sustainability targets. Integrating on-site solar power into manufacturing operations is a practical and effective approach for companies to reduce emissions and secure cleaner electricity for the long term.”

“Signing this project with TotalEnergies ENEOS represents an important milestone in Jintana’s sustainability journey. We are pleased to contribute to emissions reduction through the adoption of renewable energy at our manufacturing site and to take a meaningful step toward more sustainable operations. We hope this project will serve as a strong foundation for further progress, and we remain committed to supporting a lower-carbon future,” said Savitee Thanalongkorn, CEO of Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd.

To learn more about TotalEnergies ENEOS tailored solar solutions, check out the free brochure, or contact directly for more information.

***

About TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pte. Ltd.
The company is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and ENEOS to develop onsite B2B solar distributed generation across Asia. It is headquartered in Singapore with a plan to develop 2 GW of decentralized solar capacity over the next five years. https://solar.totalenergies.asia

TotalEnergies and electricity
TotalEnergies is building a competitive portfolio that combines renewables (solar, onshore wind, offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. At the beginning of 2026, TotalEnergies has more than 34 GW of gross renewable power generation capacity and aims to achieve over 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030.

ENEOS Corporation and renewables electricity
ENEOS Group operates solar power plants in Japan and is also participating in renewable energy projects in the United States, Australia, Vietnam and Taiwan Region. Furthermore, ENEOS is actively engaged in power generation projects using biomass, hydroelectric power, wind power, etc. This joint venture is ENEOS’ first overseas renewable energy project using distributed power sources. 

About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

About ENEOS Corporation
ENEOS Group has developed businesses in the energy and nonferrous metals segments, from upstream to downstream. The Group’s envisioned goals for 2040 are: becoming one of the most prominent and internationally competitive energy and materials company groups in Asia, creating value by transforming our current business structure, and contributing to the development of a low-carbon, recycling-oriented society with the pursuit of carbon-neutral status in its own CO2 emissions. ENEOS Corporation, one of the principal operating companies in the Group, is contributing to achievement of the Group’s envisioned goals through a broad range of energy businesses. 

TotalEnergies ENEOS Contact
Media Relation: contact.solar.asia@totalenergies.com

About Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd.
Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd. is a long-established Thai intimate apparel company with more than 65 years of heritage. The company operates across two core business areas: the development and retail of its own brand, and manufacturing for both its branded business and OEM export customers. Built on a foundation of sincerity, quality and continuous improvement, Jintana combines trusted brand heritage with established manufacturing expertise to serve evolving customer needs in both domestic and international markets.

Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd. Contact
Media Relation: marketing@jintana.com

TotalEnergies on social media

X: @TotalEnergiesLinkedIn: TotalEnergiesFacebook: TotalEnergiesInstagram: TotalEnergies

Cautionary Note TotalEnergies
The terms “TotalEnergies”, “TotalEnergies company” or “Company” in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies’ financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Cautionary Note ENEOS Corporation
The terms “ENEOS”, “ENEOS Group” in this document are used to designate ENEOS Corporation and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by ENEOS Corporation. This document contains certain forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those reflected in any forward-looking statement due to various factors, which include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) macroeconomic conditions and changes in the competitive environment in the energy, resources, and materials industries; (2) the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity; (3) changes in laws and regulations; and (4) risks related to litigation and other legal proceedings.

 

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SOURCE TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia

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Taiwan’s Smart Tolling Technology Goes Global as Thailand Launches AI-Powered M81 Motorway System

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TAIPEI, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sightings of electronic toll collection (ETC) gantries resembling those used on Taiwan’s freeways have recently drawn attention on social media along the Bangkok–Kanchanaburi highway. Far Eastern Electronic Toll Collection Co., Ltd. (FETC) confirmed that the system is part of Thailand’s newly launched M-Flow multi-lane free-flow tolling system on the Intercity Motorway No. 81 Bang Yai – Kanchanaburi Route (M81).

Developed in collaboration with FETC International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (FETCi Thailand) and the BGSR81 Co., Ltd, the system has officially entered operation, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s transition toward smart, digitally enabled highway infrastructure.

The launch also strengthens connectivity between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, effectively creating a “one-day travel corridor” and supporting regional tourism and economic activity.

AI-Driven Tolling Cuts Travel Time to 48 Minutes

According to Kenny Chen, Managing Director of FETCi Thailand, the M81 project demonstrates the flexibility and scalability of Taiwan’s ETC technology in complex international environments.

FETCi Thailand led the design, installation, and implementation of the tolling system and its Traffic Operations Center (TOC). The platform integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable data-driven traffic management and operational decision-making. It is also designed for future expansion, including applications such as weigh-in-motion enforcement.

Thailand’s diverse vehicle types and more complex license plate formats presented technical challenges. These were addressed through advanced AI-powered automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), ensuring high accuracy in vehicle identification. Combined with multiple digital payment options, the system allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping.

Since its launch, travel time between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi has been reduced from nearly two hours to approximately 48 minutes. Weekend traffic volumes have reached around 55,000 vehicles per day, improving both tourism access and logistics efficiency in western Thailand.

M9 Experience Highlights Strong Economic and Environmental Benefits

FETC has also supported Thailand’s Department of Highways (DOH) since 2022 in deploying and operating the M-Flow system on the M9 motorway, including gantry design and operational consulting.

According to DOH data, the system has increased traffic throughput fivefold and saves motorists an estimated 3.33 million hours annually. It has achieved a benefit-cost ratio of 6.94, meaning each dollar invested generates nearly seven dollars in overall societal value.

In environmental terms, the system reduces fuel consumption by approximately 13.91 million liters per year and cuts carbon emissions by more than 36,000 metric tons, contributing to more sustainable transportation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/taiwans-smart-tolling-technology-goes-global-as-thailand-launches-ai-powered-m81-motorway-system-302748486.html

SOURCE FETC International

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Critical Link Launches World’s First AI-Driven SOM Recommendation Engine, Powered by Rapidflare

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Critical Link and Rapidflare have jointly launched the world’s first AI-driven System on Module Recommendation Engine. Engineers can now describe their requirements in plain language and receive accurate, tailored SOM recommendations in seconds. Together, the two companies are redefining how electronics teams discover and select embedded solutions.

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Critical Link LLC, a leader in system-on-module solutions, has introduced the world’s first AI-driven System on Module Recommendation Engine, powered by Rapidflare’s Rapid Product Selection Agent. The new engine advances Critical Link’s mission to help customers bring embedded products to market faster and more cost-effectively.

Together, Rapidflare and Critical Link are combining their strengths to make the journey from concept to product faster, smarter, and more closely aligned with customer needs. – Amber Thousand, Sr. Director of Marketing, Critical Link

In the electronics industry, selecting the right product often requires manually comparing hundreds of pages of datasheets or relying on rigid parametric search tools. Critical Link’s SOM Recommendation Engine is set to change that. With Rapidflare’s conversational AI agent, customers can describe their requirements in natural language and receive tailored recommendations in a fraction of the time.

“For years customers have asked for a better way to find the right SOM for their application. Launching this AI-driven engine with Rapidflare’s technology is a game changer,” said Amber Thousand, Sr. Director of Marketing at Critical Link. “Their accuracy, domain expertise, and speed of integration made them the clear choice to support our mission.”

Unlike generic AI agents, Rapidflare’s technology is purpose-built for complex product selection workflows. It combines knowledge graph-based reasoning, domain-specific intelligence, and industry guardrails to deliver recommendations that are both fast and reliable for electronics teams.

“The best partnerships happen when your mission aligns with your partner’s mission,” said Navanee Sundaramoorthy, CEO and Founder at Rapidflare. “We’re proud to partner with Critical Link to help make SOM product selection more seamless, intuitive, and efficient for their team and customers.”

Beyond accelerating product selection, the AI engine gives engineers a new way to engage with Critical Link. “We’ve always offered thorough documentation and product support to customers via our website, our engineering wiki, and personal contact. Adding the SOM Recommendation Engine creates a more efficient path for self-discovery, which we see as a growing trend,” said Thousand. “Together, Rapidflare and Critical Link are combining their strengths to make the journey from concept to product faster, smarter, and more closely aligned with customer needs.”

To explore Critical Link’s SOM Recommendation Engine, visit https://www.criticallink.com/som-recommendation-ai-agent/.

To learn more about Rapidflare and its AI-powered product selection solutions, visit Rapidflare’s website: https://www.rapidflare.ai/

About Rapidflare

Rapidflare builds AI-powered domain specific agents for electronics, semiconductors, and other technically complex industries. Its product intelligence powered AI platform gives teams natural-language access to product and engineering knowledge, making it easier to find accurate answers, support customers, and move faster across critical workflows. Rapidflare multiplies the impact of GTM teams by making critical technical knowledge instantly accessible, helping sales, solutions engineering, product marketing, support, and customer success teams move faster and operate with confidence. For more information, visit rapidflare.ai

About Critical Link

Critical Link designs and manufactures CPU-based, FPGA-based, and DSP-based system-on-modules (SOMs) for industrial electronic applications. Its production-ready embedded solutions help customers bring products to market faster and at lower cost by reducing development complexity, risk, and time spent building core processing subsystems from scratch. With a focus on product quality, long-term availability, lifecycle support, and close customer engagement, Critical Link serves OEMs across a wide range of industrial and technically demanding applications. For more information, visit the website: criticallink.com

Media Contact

Balpreet, Rapidflare, 1 2068614231, balpreet@rapidflare.ai, rapidflare.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/critical-link-launches-worlds-first-ai-driven-som-recommendation-engine-powered-by-rapidflare-302749279.html

SOURCE Rapidflare

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