Toyota Group Launches Software Academy and Global AI Accelerator to Drive Innovation and Future Mobility Skills

Five Toyota Group Companies Launch New Initiatives to Boost AI and Software Skills

AISIN Corporation, DENSO CORPORATION, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Woven by Toyota, Inc. have joined forces to create the Toyota Software Academy. This program focuses on developing human resources skilled in AI and software, with an emphasis on integrating both software and hardware expertise essential for future automotive innovation.

Alongside the academy, Toyota is introducing the Global AI Accelerator (GAIA), a significant investment initiative targeting AI research, development, and practical application. Together, these efforts aim to foster talent and accelerate the creation of AI-enabled products that contribute to safer, more secure, and more accessible mobility.

Human Resource Development Through Toyota Software Academy

The academy offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip participants with practical skills in AI, data security, vehicle regulations, and more. Approximately 100 courses will be available, including specialized programs like autonomous driving software development. Participants will gain hands-on experience by programming actual vehicles, focusing on safety and quality.

This initiative also creates opportunities for AI and software professionals worldwide to connect, share knowledge, and explore diverse career paths. By integrating with each company's career development systems—such as DENSO's skill certification program, SOMRIE™—the academy helps visualize and enhance participants’ skills, supporting long-term career growth.

Global AI Accelerator (GAIA) to Boost AI Integration

GAIA is set to increase investment in AI across Toyota's operations, spanning research, development, and employee training. The program focuses on 11 initial categories including AD/ADAS, business software, customer relations, manufacturing, and robotics, with plans to add more. Rooted in Toyota’s principle of Jidoka—automation coupled with human insight—GAIA aims to improve productivity and generate innovative AI-enabled products.

Insights from Company Leaders

• Dr. Gill Pratt, Toyota's Chief Scientist: Emphasizes the importance of leveraging AI to enhance efficiency across manufacturing, design, and office work, while maintaining a human-centered approach.
• Yoshihisa Yamamoto, AISIN’s Chief Technology Strategy Officer: Highlights the focus on cultivating engineers who blend vehicle actuators, control, and software expertise to advance mobility technologies.
• Atsushi Hayashida, DENSO’s Chief Software Officer: Stresses the commitment to continuous learning and skill development for software engineers to support future mobility.
• Eiji Matsuzaki, Toyota Tsusho CEO of Digital Solutions Division: Notes the evolving nature of software development with AI and the drive to foster global, human-centered software development.
• Hiroaki Okuchi, Chief Customer Officer at Woven by Toyota: Focuses on building a safe, human-centered mobility society through software and AI, encouraging collaboration with partners.

Overview of Toyota Software Academy

• Objective: Train AI and software professionals with integrated knowledge of software and hardware technologies.
• Start Date / Location: May 22, 2025; online lectures combined with practical training at company research facilities.
• Participating Companies: AISIN, DENSO, Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Woven by Toyota, with plans to expand.
• Educational Format: Expert-led online lectures and hands-on training using real vehicles.
• Course Content: Around 100 courses covering AI, programming languages, data security, and more as of May 2025.

Toyota Motor Corporation continues to focus on creating innovative, safe, and quality mobility solutions. Their efforts align with sustainable development goals aimed at building a safer, greener, and more inclusive society. As Toyota evolves into a mobility company, programs like the Toyota Software Academy and GAIA demonstrate a commitment to fostering skilled professionals who can support these advancements.

For IT and development professionals interested in expanding AI and software skills, exploring comprehensive training programs can be valuable. Resources such as Complete AI Training’s skill-based courses offer practical learning paths that complement initiatives like Toyota’s.