Innovation and Investment Summit to give global push to new Queensland jobs

The Palaszczuk Government will host high profile industry leaders in innovation and technology from across the globe to Brisbane next month as part of its drive for new investment and new jobs.

“The Summit will provide a platform for industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and startup businesses to be inspired by the latest thinking and technologies, identify new business opportunities, and build new networks and partnerships,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

The Premier said some leading international experts in their field would share global market trends and best practice around using innovation to improve business outcomes.

• Sanoop Luke (Singapore), is a leading content strategist for Google/YouTube in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, the world’s number one online video platform and is one of many global experts who will share their insights and experience during the summit.
• Bindi Karia (UK), a former Vice President of Silicon Valley Bank and Venture Capital Manager with Microsoft UK, will share her global expertise in driving success for startup technology companies and how she gained her reputation as the ‘queen of startups’.
• Dr Nina Tandon (USA), CEO and co-founder of EpiBone, the world’s first company growing living bones for skeletal reconstruction will offer expert insights into innovation in medical technology.
• From Ernst & Young we have Richard Suhr (New Zealand), Asia Pacific Digital Leader and a former Managing Director of Google and Glen Giovannetti (USA), Global Life Sciences Sector Leader who will both share their wealth of knowledge in strategy and planning.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business, The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP, said the summit will put a global spotlight on Queensland innovation and investment opportunities.

“Startup businesses will have an opportunity to showcase their talents and promote their potential to local and international investors,” Ms Enoch said.

“The summit will accelerate our innovation culture and stimulate new ideas in key industries including agriculture technology, energy and resources, life sciences and medical technology, and creative industries.”

The event is part of the Advance Queensland program, which aims to promote innovation and attract investment, to strengthen the Queensland economy and create the jobs of the future.

“The summit shows the Queensland Government’s commitment to putting Queensland at the forefront of new ideas, innovation and entrepreneurialism, and cementing Queensland’s reputation as a hub for innovation in the Asia Pacific region,” Ms Enoch said.

Jointly presented by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, the inaugural Advance Queensland Innovation and Investment Summit will be held at the Royal International Conference Centre in Brisbane from 27 to 29 April 2016.

To register your interest in the summit and receive further updates, please visit advanceqld.initiatives.qld.gov.au/register.aspx

For more information about Advance Queensland, visit qld.gov.au/advanceqld.

Media contact: 0417 263 791