Advance Queensland
Queensland Government initiative that provides funding, programs and resources to support innovation, entrepreneurs and research in the state.
Advance Queensland is an innovation-focused initiative of the Queensland Government, launched in 2015 to foster a more diversified economy, promote regional development, and create sustainable employment opportunities across the state. Its core mission is to support entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators through funding, mentorship, networking, and access to collaboration hubs, enabling them to move from early-stage ideas to scalable businesses.
The initiative operates a broad portfolio of programs designed to address different stages of the innovation journey. These include structured support for concept development, prototyping, and scaling, as well as targeted initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. Dedicated programs support female founders, First Nations entrepreneurs, and innovation in sectors such as AgTech, a key industry in Queensland’s economy. Participants benefit from guidance, networking opportunities, and connections to investment and market access.
Advance Queensland also invests in building the state’s innovation ecosystem through physical and digital platforms. This includes innovation precincts such as The Precinct in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and online tools like Dealroom Queensland, which maps the state’s startup and investment landscape. These resources facilitate collaboration between startups, investors, industry, and government stakeholders.
Since its inception, Advance Queensland has supported thousands of recipients, contributing to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs and leveraging significant external investment into the state’s economy. Following the launch of its 10-year Roadmap in 2022, the initiative has committed substantial funding to projects across regional and metropolitan areas, with strong participation from female and First Nations innovators. Progress is tracked through performance reports and evaluation frameworks to ensure transparency and alignment with strategic goals.
Keywords: Advance Queensland, Queensland Government, innovation initiative, startup funding, entrepreneurship programs, AgTech, female founders, First Nations entrepreneurs, innovation precincts, Dealroom Queensland, economic diversification, regional development, 10-year Roadmap
