Seven international companies and three from interstate will relocate to Queensland through round three of the Palaszczuk Government’s Australian-first Hot DesQ program announced today.
Innovation Minister Kate Jones said today’s announcement was proof of Queensland’s growing reputation as an international powerhouse for entrepreneurship and innovation.
“This is about bringing a handful of the world’s most promising startups to Queensland to share their knowledge and connections with local entrepreneurs and inspire them to think globally to create local jobs,” she said.
“Before we provide them with support to come to Queensland these companies have to prove they have what it takes to launch a new global product or service.”
Ms Jones said to create sustainable jobs of the future in Queensland, it was important to support local startups to grow and attract private sector investment.
“The expertise and international connections these startups will bring to our startup industry is invaluable,” she said.
“This shows there is a strong desire for global entrepreneurs to bring their operations to Queensland.”
The 10 startups will be relocated to Queensland for six months and will be based across Queensland and hosted by a number of different organisations.
They come from France, Thailand, China, the United Kingdom and Gibraltar as well as the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
French aeronautical startup Sunbirds will bring their solar-powered drone technology to Queensland.
Co-founder Amaury Wiest said Sunbirds were passionate about using their drone technology to solve issues faced by the cattle industry, including water and pasture management.
“Cattle stations in Queensland are the perfect example of large, remote areas with a vital need for cost-effective monitoring,” Mr Wiest said.
“We hope to be able to share our knowledge and expertise about how long-range drone technology can help landholders.”
Innovation Minister Kate Jones said the Hot DesQ program had run since 2016, and during that time more than 3,800 attendees from across the Queensland startup community and broader ecosystem have benefitted from events and workshops delivered by the Hot DesQ entrepreneurs.
“Queensland startups can get involved through the Hot Entrepreneurs initiative – connecting Hot DesQ teams with regional startup hubs to share knowledge, connections and experience,” she said.
“The LNP cut millions of dollars out of the science and technology budget. We’ve restored that funding and committed record funding for innovation to create the jobs of the future in Queensland.”
Hot DesQ is part of the $650 million Advance Queensland initiative to transform Queensland’s economy and build Queensland’s reputation as a global innovation and investment destination.
