Hot DesQ showcases its wares for savvy investors and collaborators

A nation-leading Palaszczuk Government program attracting high-achieving international and interstate businesses to Queensland is opening the doors to further investment and local collaboration.

During a showcase event in Brisbane today (Wednesday), Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch will announce that the inaugural recipients of the Advance Queensland Hot DesQ program have made a significant impact on the local innovation ecosystem.

The inaugural round of the program has seen 25 startups from the countries including the United Kingdom, Israel, Brazil, Germany, Canada, Silicon Valley, and from interstate, receive up to $100,000 in non-equity funding to complete a six-month stint in Queensland.

“These dynamic Hot DesQ businesses have injected new talent and energy into some of our most promising industries, such as tourism, aerospace, agriculture and health, and have increased collaboration and innovation across industry, corporates, new startups and researchers,” Ms Enoch said.

“Their presence is a major boost for innovative small businesses. They are working with our regional entrepreneurs to grow, develop and forge international connections – running events with hundreds of startups and providing one-on-one mentoring to build talent and capacity.

“Our first round of Hot DesQ participants are already supporting new jobs here in Queensland as their companies expand, and this will grow as they gain traction, build these new connections and explore further collaboration opportunities.

“At today’s Hot DesQ Showcase in Brisbane, participants will have the opportunity to share their successes and pitch to new investors, as well as potential industry, corporate and government partners, to continue the growth of their businesses in Queensland.

“It is also a chance to recognise the impact that the ‘first generation’ Hot DesQ participants have had on Queensland in such a short time and connect them with further growth opportunities,” Ms Enoch said.

The Brisbane Showcase will be co-hosted by Ingrid Rodriquez, who founded Eikonic to develop innovative new technology tackling gum disease, and Marius Ursache, whose company Eterni.me is creating a way for people to live forever digitally – preserving their online memories in the form of an avatar that continues to interact with their families and future generations.

Mr Ursache said the Hot DesQ program opened up extraordinary opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“One of the most powerful things for entrepreneurs is access to global networks of other entrepreneurs, talent, investors and academia,” Mr Ursache said.

“I’ve been lucky to work in some of the most innovative and dynamic startup communities in the US, South America, Europe, and now Australia, and by connecting with founders all across Queensland I hope to be able to bring the value of my networks here, and also enable others to connect to our local startups and tech.”

Applications for round two closed in May, and are currently being assessed by an independent judging panel with entrepreneurial and investor experience.

Hot DesQ is an Australian-first program attracting globally-focused companies to Queensland – creating new jobs, mentoring local startups and strengthening the startup ecosystem across the state.

It is delivered under the Palaszczuk Government's $420 million whole-of-government Advance Queensland program, which aims to create a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and entrepreneurship.

For more information, visit the Advance Queensland Hot DesQ program website.

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