Regions to have say in advancing innovation funding
Published Friday, 26 August, 2016 at 09:30 AM
Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch
The Startup community in Queensland has been invited to have a say in the development of a new Palaszczuk Government program for regional innovation.
Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said regional Queenslanders were valued and active contributors to the innovation agenda.
“Innovation is not something that only happens in cities and by people in lab coats in research institutions and universities,” Ms Enoch said.
“Innovation happens in the regions every day, from small businesses offering new services, to farmers introducing new practices, to doctors using technology to reduce patient waiting times.
“In the 2016-17 Budget, the Palaszczuk Government committed an additional $6 million for the Advance Queensland Regional Innovation Hubs program – we want to make sure that this funding builds innovation across the state – that’s why we’re seeking input from regional Queenslanders.
The funding supplements an existing $1.5 million network fund announced in 2015. Today the Minister released a discussion paper, and announced an online survey for feedback as well as a series of regional workshops about the program.
“There are a range of ways for Queenslanders to have a voice during the consultation period – online, in writing and face-to-face. This is regional Queensland’s program and we want to hear from you”, Ms Enoch said.
“The Regional Innovation Hubs program will support regional innovation by connecting local efforts, leveraging key regional strengths and lifting the capability of innovative local firms. This is about innovation by startups as well as existing firms and industries.
Ms Enoch said regional Queensland was rich with innovation potential.
“We are seeing incredibly innovative technologies coming out of regional locations, such as autonomous vehicles, drones and robotics being targeted for future use in industrial and agricultural markets, as well as key medical research, particularly in tropical health and medicine, such as the Eliminate Dengue program in North Queensland.
“Our investment is designed to draw on this huge potential, through supporting our regional startups and entrepreneurs and funding activities that will enable our regional innovation ecosystems to grow and mature. We want regional innovation activity that will continue to build well beyond this funding commitment.
“Our priority for this program is to seed activities that forge new collaborations, leverage support from a range of partners and generate a sustained improvement in the innovation potential of our regions.
Ms Enoch said the Government’s 2016-17 investment in regional innovation followed on from its 2015-16 investment where regionally-based Queenslanders received strong support through the Advance Queensland initiative.
The Regional Innovation Hubs discussion paper and information about consultation in your region can be found at Advance.qld.gov.au/RegionalHubs
Consultation closes at 5pm on Monday 26th September with funding to be announced by the end of 2016
Media contact: Callum Downie 0400 319 436