- The Crisafulli Government has unveiled the new Ideas into Impact: Science and Innovation Strategy during National Science Week.
- The Strategy puts commercialisation at the centre of Queensland's science and innovation agenda, helping more home-grown ideas move from research and discovery into the market.
- Queenslanders to benefit from the talent and ideas being developed in our universities, research institutions, businesses and communities.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has unveiled its new 15-year Science and Innovation Strategy to help turn more Queensland ideas into products, businesses, jobs and investment.
Released during National Science Week, Ideas into Impact: From discovery to delivery sets out a 15-year plan to strengthen Queensland's ability to commercialise its home-grown ideas and discoveries.
The Strategy will help build the connections between researchers, startups, investors, businesses and government so Queensland innovations and research have a clearer pathway from discovery to the market.
That means helping researchers and entrepreneurs find the right investors, connecting startups with industry and expertise, and making it easier for capital to find the Queensland ideas with the potential to become successful businesses.
Ideas into Impact includes new focus areas and actions designed to strengthen Queensland's innovation ecosystem and accelerate commercialisation, including:
- Q Futures Conference – a new flagship annual event to convene Queensland's science and innovation individuals, companies and institutions, build partnerships and showcase Queensland capabilities.
- Science and Innovation Connector Service – a new service to help innovators, researchers, businesses and investors navigate the system and connect with opportunities, expertise and support.
- Ministerial Science and Innovation Advisory Council – a new advisory body bringing together leaders from industry, research and government to provide strategic advice on Queensland's science and innovation priorities.
- Office of Commercialisation – a new function to strengthen pathways from research and intellectual property through to commercial outcomes, helping more Queensland ideas become products, businesses and jobs.
- Team Queensland Approach – a new coordinated model that brings government, industry, researchers, investors and regions together to accelerate innovation and deliver stronger outcomes for Queensland.
A new Chief Innovator role that will work within the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation will replace the Chief of Entrepreneur role which the former Labor Government left vacant.
To support the Strategy, the Crisafulli Government has already committed an additional $22 million to help more Queensland discoveries move from research to commercial success, creating high-value jobs and supporting the growth of new industries.
The Crisafulli Government has also launched the new Queensland STEM Engagement Grants Program, with grants of up to $25,000 available to support events, projects and activities that encourage participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across Queensland.
The grants will support hands-on learning experiences, help communities connect with scientists and innovators, and encourage more young Queenslanders to pursue STEM studies and careers.
Applications are now open and will close on Tuesday 29 September.
Ideas into Impact: From discovery to delivery was shaped by feedback from researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses, investors and community members during statewide consultation earlier this year.
Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said Queensland had the talent, capability and ambition to become a national leader in innovation, research and commercialisation.
"Queensland has some of the best researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators in the country," Minister Powell said.
"We need to do more to connect these people and their ideas with others who can help take them to market – and that means connecting our researchers and startups with investors, industry and the expertise they need to grow.
"This Strategy is about building that pathway from new idea to the market and making sure Queensland is not just a place where great ideas are developed, but a place where they become successful businesses and create jobs.
"We have the talent, we have the ideas and we have the ambition. Now we are putting in place the strategy to turn more of those ideas into opportunities for Queenslanders."
