Queensland positioning as global startup hub

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: The Palaszczuk Government is seeking to entice international startups to Queensland with grants of up to $100,000 (AUS) to relocate to the Sunshine State in an Australian-first initiative.

While visiting Silicon Valley today, Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch hosted the international launch of the Hot DesQ program which aims to lure successful international and interstate entrepreneurs to Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Hot DesQ initiative is part of our Advance Queensland innovation and jobs plan,” Ms Enoch said.

“Hot DesQ is unashamedly about attracting international and interstate startups to relocate to Queensland for at least six months by offering up to $100,000 (AUS) for them to pursue business opportunities and help grow our innovation ecosystem.

“Startups from anywhere in the world have an opportunity to harness Queensland's unique industry strengths in areas like life sciences and medtech, agriculture, mining, aviation and games and software.

"Hot DesQ will attract emerging entrepreneurs and startup teams, successful Aussie expats, and established startups to Queensland, where they can leverage off our proven track record in world-class research, technology and innovation to grow their businesses.

Ms Enoch said Hot DesQ will also give global and interstate startups a launching pad to expand into the burgeoning Asia-Pacific markets from a Queensland base.

Successful applicants will be hosted by one of Queensland’s startup service providers in locations including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville and Toowoomba.

“By basing the incoming startups in existing innovation hubs around Queensland we will be able to embed them in our Queensland startup community and connect them to industry and research expertise,” she said.

The Hot DesQ initiative is part of the $180 million Advance Queensland initiative which is providing a suite of programs to support the growth of startups and business, and increase entrepreneurship, innovation and venture investment.  

Ms Enoch said that the program is targeted at emerging startups as well as those who are already established and looking to expand into the booming Asia-Pacific markets.  Additionally, successful Australian expats wanting to try their next venture at home are eligible to apply.

Applications for the program are now open via www.HotDesQ.com.au.

Ms Enoch is visiting Houston, Austin and San Francisco between 30 April and 8 May 2016.

Today’s announcement was made at the Queensland Reception function at Sunnyvale, California. The Minister also visited EA Sports, Stanford d.school and Facebook.

Ms Enoch is also holding meetings ahead of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk leading a Queensland research and business delegation to the 2016 BIO International Convention in San Francisco which will be held from 6 to 9 June.

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201