Advance Queensland

FWD>FEST – TURNS 5 🎉

The Sunshine Coast’s innovation ecosystem came together recently over two days for its fifth annual innovation and entrepreneurship festival activating Mooloolaba Wharf on Day 1 and Altitude Nine in the Maroochydore City Centre on Day 2.

The event’s continued growth signals strong regional momentum, with the program bringing to life a maturing ecosystem through content that is about supporting ventures from early-stage incubation through to scaling, global expansion and leadership.

A keynote by Craig Scroggie highlighted the role of innovation infrastructure, with NEXTDC’s SC1 Data Centre already delivering low-latency connectivity into Asia Pacific via the international subsea cable, and SC2 under construction in Maroochydore to support AI-enabled industries.

Sessions also emphasised access to capital, customer-centric growth, risk management, leadership capability, and opportunities linked to procurement and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with FWD>PITCH further showcasing the pipeline of investment-ready ventures.

Attending FWD Fest highlighted the important role of Silicon Coast, event partners, innovators and ecosystem leaders coming together to showcase and strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s position as a growing hub for innovation. The Queensland Government was pleased to support the event as an engagement partner.

Ready to be part of it? Head to fwdfest.co/2027 to secure your place for next year.

https://www.siliconcoast.org.au/leapfwd

Sunshine Coast Council

🚀 Calling all bold entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators in Townsville!

The Impact10X 3-Day Simulator is your launchpad to build, validate, and pitch your high-impact venture. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this program equips you with the tools, mentorship, and connections to succeed.

📍 Location: 1 James Cook Dr, Douglas QLD 4814
📅 Dates: 1 - 3 July 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

✅ Day 1: Build & Innovate – Team collaboration, workshops, and insider insights
✅ Day 2: Prototype & Validate – MVP development and live demos
✅ Day 3: Pitch & Gain Feedback – Investor coaching and live pitch event

💡 Beyond Day 3: High-potential start-ups may be invited to the Impact10X Venture Builder to scale and prepare for investment.

👩‍💻 Who should apply?
Ambitious founders, problem-solvers, and innovators with scalable ideas and a drive to make an impact.

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to take your venture to the next level: https://impact10x.com.au/simulator/

The Sunshine Coast Innovation Challenge is now open 🚀

We are excited to share this unique opportunity for Queensland businesses and innovators to collaborate with Sunshine Coast Health and tackle four critical challenges in the health sector:
1️⃣ Designing workspaces that work for flexibility and confidentiality
2️⃣ Preventing and managing occupational violence
3️⃣ Managing small equipment – finding it, tracking it, and using it efficiently
4️⃣ Reducing, reusing, or recycling our waste

Why get involved?
Work directly with Queensland Health to co-design innovative solutions.
Showcase your ideas and their potential to make a real impact.
Leverage the new innovation exemption pathway under the Queensland Procurement Policy 2026.

📅 Key dates:
Submissions open: 13 May 2026
Submissions close: COB 26 June 2026
Outcome notifications: July 2026

Submissions don’t need to be fully formed solutions – Sunshine Coast Health is looking for innovative ideas with a clear rationale and strong potential.

For more information, including the submission form, guidance materials, and key dates, visit the Innovation Challenge: https://scjobs.com.au/p/spark

Let’s work together to drive innovation and create solutions for a healthier Queensland!

Get your applications in - closes next week! 🏃‍♀️

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of Queenslanders with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

The Private Sector Pathways (PSP) Challenge, led by the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ) in partnership with DETSI, is seeking practical, scalable solutions to help individuals with ABI/TBI successfully reintegrate into the workforce and achieve meaningful independence.

Employment is a key driver of recovery, wellbeing, and independence for people with ABI/TBI. Yet, many face complex barriers when navigating their way back into the workforce. This challenge is your opportunity to create innovative solutions that empower individuals, support employers, and transform employment pathways.

🌟 What we’re looking for:
✅ Scalable, cost-effective solutions
✅ Digital tools to connect individuals and employers
✅ Employer capability-building initiatives
✅ Long-term, sustainable employment outcomes
✅ Collaborative, user-centred designs

💰 What’s in it for you?
Successful applicants will receive up to $100,000 in grant funding to pilot their solution over 6-8 months with NIISQ.

📅 How to apply:
Submit your proposal today and help shape a brighter future for Queenslanders with ABI/TBI.

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4cIx5KR

Let’s create a more inclusive and supportive workforce for all Queenslanders!

Is your innovation precinct ready to grow world-class infrastructure to position Queensland precincts to reach their full potential?

SEQ Innovation Economy Fund is open for Round 2 applications 🙌

The fund will support capital projects to accelerate SEQ’s innovation precincts, paving the way for new knowledge-intensive jobs and supercharging the region’s innovation economy 🚀

Eligible local governments, industry, public and private entities can apply for funding ranging from $500,000 to $5.2 million.

This initiative, part of the SEQ City Deal—a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and the Council of Mayors (SEQ)—aims to create lasting benefits for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

Learn more and apply here 👉 https://bit.ly/3QnWClv

Are you an SME leader in AI, robotics, or health/pharma looking to explore high-growth opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems?

The MAITRI (Australia-India Innovation & Investment) program, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is here to help Australian SMEs like yours unlock the potential of the Indian market. And the best part? The workshops are completely free!

After a successful launch in Melbourne, we’re excited to bring this opportunity to Sydney and Brisbane.

💡 What’s in it for you?
➕FREE Expert-Led Workshops: Hands-on, practical sessions tailored to your sector.
➕Customised Roadmaps: Build your market entry and innovation strategies.
➕Real-World Insights: Learn from case studies of SMEs that have succeeded in India.
➕Fully Funded Roadshow: A select group will be invited to join an all-expenses-paid R&D Centres Roadshow in India.

📍 Brisbane – Register now: https://bit.ly/43CqFch
📅 Day 1: 8 June | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📅 Day 2: 9 June | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📅 Day 3: 10 June | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Don’t miss this chance to take your business global. 🌏 Secure your spot today!

Female Founders, are you ready to raise? 🚀

💡 Expression of Interest NOW OPEN for the Female Founders Investment Readiness – Capability Cohort 3!

Did you know 95% of founders start pitching before they’re ready? That’s why most raises fail. But not you. This program is your confidence system to nail your capital raise and secure the funding you deserve.

🌟 Only 4 spots available! 🌟

Here’s what you’ll get:
✅ Guided capital raise & marketing roadmap – from prep to closing.
✅ Weekly 45-min coaching calls for raise prep and investor CRM.
✅ Graduation process to ensure you’re ready to raise in just 12 weeks.
✅ Investor and advisor introductions + tools to build your own network.
✅ Pitch deck and roadmap reviews to perfect your story.
✅ Support to unblock equity, legal, and finance questions.
🎁 BONUS: FREE Torus Readiness Assessment with detailed feedback and recommendations tailored for eligible applicants.

This is your chance to level up, build confidence, and secure the funding to grow your vision.

📅 Don’t wait – spots are limited!

Apply now: https://advance.qld.gov.au/grants-and-programs/ffir-capability

Queensland Small Business Month is nearly over — but there’s still time to get involved!

This May, the Queensland Government has been proud to support small and family businesses with a statewide program of events, expos, and grant-funded activities.

This year’s theme, Future Ready, has been all about empowering small businesses to adapt, innovate, and prepare for the opportunities ahead — including those linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Thanks to 30 regional Event Delivery Grants, local chambers of commerce, industry associations, and councils have hosted tailored events to help small businesses build resilience, embrace innovation, and connect with government programs and local partners. From online sessions like ‘Run Your Business like a CEO’ to in-person ‘Beers and Cheers’ networking workshops in Brisbane, this year’s program has been packed with practical advice on digital transformation, leadership, and business growth.

💼 Don’t miss the final QSBM Expo happening tomorrow!
📍 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre – Tuesday, 26 May

Visit the DETSI stall to connect with the Tourism Support Hub and Innovation Event teams and discover the tools and resources available to help your business thrive.

With over 500,000 small businesses employing more than one million Queenslanders, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and vital to our communities. Through QSBM, we’re committed to helping you succeed and prepare for the opportunities of the future.

👉 Explore more about QSBM at business.qld.gov.au/qsbm

Let’s make the most of this final week to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Queensland’s small businesses. Together, we’re building a Future Ready Queensland!

Is your innovation precinct ready to grow world-class infrastructure to position Queensland precincts to reach their full potential?

SEQ Innovation Economy Fund is open for Round 2 applications 🙌

The fund will support capital projects to accelerate SEQ’s innovation precincts, paving the way for new knowledge-intensive jobs and supercharging the region’s innovation economy 🚀

Eligible local governments, industry, public and private entities can apply for funding ranging from $500,000 to $5.2 million.

This initiative, part of the SEQ City Deal—a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and the Council of Mayors (SEQ)—aims to create lasting benefits for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

Learn more and apply here 👉 https://bit.ly/3QnWClv

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of Queenslanders with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

The Private Sector Pathways (PSP) Challenge, led by the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ Agency) in partnership with DETSI, is seeking practical, scalable solutions to help individuals with ABI/TBI successfully reintegrate into the workforce and achieve meaningful independence.

Employment is a key driver of recovery, wellbeing, and independence for people with ABI/TBI. Yet, many face complex barriers when navigating their way back into the workforce. This challenge is your opportunity to create innovative solutions that empower individuals, support employers, and transform employment pathways.

🌟 What we’re looking for:
✅ Scalable, cost-effective solutions
✅ Digital tools to connect individuals and employers
✅ Employer capability-building initiatives
✅ Long-term, sustainable employment outcomes
✅ Collaborative, user-centred designs

💰 What’s in it for you?
Successful applicants will receive up to $100,000 in grant funding to pilot their solution over 6-8 months with NIISQ.

📅 How to apply:
Submit your proposal today and help shape a brighter future for Queenslanders with ABI/TBI.

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4cIx5KR

Together, let’s create a more inclusive and supportive workforce for all Queenslanders!