State government kicks in $300,000 to boost Queensland’s startup scene

Queensland’s startup ecosystem will get a $300,000 boost from the Queensland government through a new initiative called Startup Queensland.

Through the program, not-for-profit startups that aim to help build and foster the Queensland startup community will be able to apply for funding that will help cover a total of 50% of their total activity costs, up to a maximum of $25,000 per activity.

Queensland Innovation Minister Ian Walker announced the program at Startup Weekend in Brisbane and says it’s part of the government’s plan to drive innovation and economic growth by supporting and building capability in the state’s startup sector.

“There is a real opportunity for Queensland’s startup sector to grow and play a much larger role in the economy,” he says.

“South East Queensland has more than 220 startup companies employing 1900 people and has raised $126 million in funds for new technology ventures since 2009.

“Queensland’s startup ecosystem has a solid foundation to build on. By 2033, the sector has a goal to contribute 4% to Queensland’s gross state product, injecting $20 billion and 100,000 new jobs into our economy.

However, for this to happen, Walker says the right environment needs to be in place to support entrepreneurs and help them improve their knowledge, skills-base and professional network.

“Startup Queensland does just that: it will offer organisations support to design, develop and deliver activities that will assist startups and entrepreneurs to gain practical information and advice, and participate in networking, collaboration, connectivity, and transformational entrepreneurship opportunities.

“Startup Queensland could be the catalyst that helps launch the next technology company like Wotif, Halfbrick, or even Google.”

StartupAUS board member and River City Labs co-founder Stephen Baxter praised the initiative as a great example of government working with industry to deliver real opportunities to the startup sector.

“Innovation and ideas will power Queensland’s future opportunities and Startup Queensland is another step towards creating new entrepreneurial businesses and industries and driving new high tech jobs to boost Queensland’s economy, especially in regional areas,” he says.