Far North Queensland innovation hot spot for entrepreneurs

Published Thursday, 29 June, 2017 at 08:00 AM

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

Additional funding for Far North Queensland’s innovation ecosystem will boost an already thriving local network, Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said today (Thursday) ahead of her three-day (June 29 – July 1) visit to the region.

Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government’s $420 million whole-of-government Advance Queensland initiative is supporting entrepreneurs in Far North Queensland and additional funding will be announced this week.

“Entrepreneurs in Far North Queensland continue to demonstrate incredible initiative, creativity and innovation across a broad range of industries – and have all the ingredients to succeed,” Ms Enoch said.

“Far North Queensland is well positioned to take advantage of these opportunities to inspire innovation, build business, attract investment and create jobs.

“The local startup ecosystem and entrepreneurs are ready to take on the world, and it’s crucial that we support them because there are no limits to how successful they can be,” she said.

Ms Enoch said there is enormous growth in the number of local entrepreneurs in Far North Queensland, with the region quickly becoming a destination ‘hot spot’.

“Cairns is an emerging hub for technology startups with a higher startup density than South East Queensland – with one startup for every 5300 people," she said.

During her visit, Ms Enoch will make an announcement about the $6 million Advancing Regional Innovation Program (ARIP) that is set to further drive innovation across the region.

Ms Enoch will visit theSPACE – an innovation and startup hub in Cairns – to hear success stories from Advance Queensland recipients.

She will also visit scientists and researchers at James Cook University, where they will undertake a workshop to communicate science to the media – facilitated by Queensland’s Emerging Science Leader and Advance Queensland Research Fellow Dr Paul Giacomin.

“It’s important we recognise the great work and innovative research being conducted right here in Far North Queensland that will help us create jobs and boost the economy,” Ms Enoch said.

Advance Queensland is the Palaszczuk Government’s flagship initiative to drive innovation across Queensland and turn great ideas into new products, businesses and jobs.

Further information can be found at Advance Queensland

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