Global entrepreneurs lured to Queensland to boost local talent, jobs

The Palaszczuk Government has launched an Australian-first program to draw global entrepreneurial talent and new jobs to Queensland.

Opening the Advance Queensland Innovation and Investment Summit in Brisbane today, Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk said the $8 million Advance Queensland Hot DesQ program will lure successful international and interstate startups to Queensland and will help strengthen the growing startup ecosystem.

“This is a digital campaign – part of our $24 million Startup Queensland initiative – to encourage startups from across the country and across the globe to relocate to Queensland, the gateway to the Asia-Pacific,” the Premier said.

“We want to lure successful international and interstate startups to Queensland, strengthening our own growing startup ecosystem.

“This Australian-first program is modelled on successful international programs such as Startup Chile which has been running since 2010, and the French Tech Ticket launched just last year.

“We can be an entrepreneurial hotspot – the Startup State – and Hot DesQ is central to making that a reality.

“We will support successful startups and expats with up to $100,000 to base themselves in Queensland for at least six months to pursue their businesses and help grow our entrepreneurial sector.

“The Hot DesQ program will benefit Queensland startups by providing international connections and access to global startup communities, investors and international markets.”

This Australian-first program is modelled on successful international programs such as Startup Chile which has been running since 2010 and the French Tech Ticket launched just last year.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said Hot DesQ would be promoted both nationally and internationally, and leverage Queensland’s competitive advantages such as proximity to the Asia Pacific region and capability in med-tech, agriculture, aviation and mining, to attract world-class entrepreneurial talent to our state.

“We want to capitalise on global expertise and connections, and the program is designed to ensure that startups across Queensland are at the core of this program,” Ms Enoch said.

“By basing the incoming startups in existing innovation hubs across Queensland they can share their experience, and connect with local businesses, industry and researchers.”

Red Eye Co-founder and CEO Wayne Gerard applauded the announcement saying Hot DesQ was a critical program for Queensland’s startup sector.

“It will help Queensland transition from a resources dependent economy to a globally competitive digital economy. Export revenue from Queensland startups has the potential to become a significant contributor to state’s GDP over the next couple of years,” Mr Gerard said.

River City Labs Entrepreneur in Residence Aaron Birkby said the ability to network with international entrepreneurs would be an invaluable experience for local startups.

“By attracting the best startups to Queensland, Hot DesQ will help local founders to connect and build relationships with fellow global entrepreneurs, creating bridges to new international markets, and also providing opportunities for cultural and knowledge transfer,” Mr Birkby said.

“I’m excited to have more globally-minded businesses based here in Queensland.”

Hot DesQ Host locations will be in Townsville, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Cairns and Toowoomba.

Applications for international and interstate startups to participate in the program are now open onwww.HotDesQ.com.au.

The inaugural Advance Queensland Innovation and Investment Summit is being held at the Royal International Conference Centre in Brisbane from 27 to 29 April 2016.

The Summit brings together business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and leaders from government and industry. For more information about the Summit visit advanceqld.qld.gov.au.