Royal visit to Queensland innovation hub

Queensland’s booming innovation ecosystem has been showcased to His Royal Highness The Duke of York KG today during a tour of The Precinct with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch.

A champion of innovation, science and technology in the United Kingdom, The Duke of York KG is visiting Queensland on a four-day tour including this afternoon’s visit to The Precinct in Fortitude Valley.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was an honour to host The Duke of York KG and to showcase Queensland’s innovation ecosystem, being supported by a $420 million investment through the whole-of-government Advance Queensland program.

“His Royal Highness has long championed entrepreneurship in the United Kingdom and recognises the vital importance of supporting entrepreneurs – a vision the Queensland Government shares,” the Premier said

“The Duke of York KG believes entrepreneurs will be the growth and job creators of the future, and he has supported many initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship including the Pitch@Palace program, established by The Prince Andrew Charitable Trust.

“He is in Queensland for the Pitch@Palace Australia regional finals being held at Bond University on the Gold Coast, an amazing opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and receive global exposure and possible investment.

“We are very proud to have the opportunity to show off Queensland’s booming startup ecosystem and demonstrate how our government is backing hardworking entrepreneurs.

“Since the start of our commitment to innovation two years ago, we have backed 1650 innovators whose projects are driving 4821 jobs. This support has leveraged more than $130 million in investment from program partners including universities, industry, venture capitalists and community groups,” she said.

Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said it was an opportunity to share information on how Queensland has established itself as Australia’s startup state.

“We have an amazing pool of talented entrepreneurs in Queensland and we are supporting them to grow their businesses, create jobs and take their ideas to the world,” Ms Enoch said.

“As well as supporting our homegrown talent, we are also attracting startups from across the globe, including a number from the United Kingdom.

“Through the first round of our Hot DesQ program we’ve already opened our arms to London startups Touriocity, Skin Analytics and Much Better Adventures, and soon we will also welcome Viva City, If No Reply and Corilla to continue to strengthen our strong ties with the United Kingdom.”

The Duke of York KG met Queensland and international startups based at The Precinct, Queensland’s largest startup hub in the historic TC Beirne building.  The Precinct is home to startups, investors and mentors, and provides co-working spaces for collaboration and to help ideas to be incubated.

Media Contact:

Premier’s office:                     Geoff Breusch              0417 272 875

Minister Enoch’s office:            Ben Doyle                   0437 859 987