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As we move through 2026, Queensland has shed its reputation as just a “sunshine state” to emerge as a premier global destination for high-growth technology and frontier innovation. Fuelled by a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure pipeline and the looming prestige of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the State has built a sophisticated, three-tiered support engine that bridges the gap between raw ideas and global capital.
At the heart of this success is a collaborative “Blue and Maroon” runway, where government policy, venture capital, and expert advisory firms like Lawnch converge to scale the next generation of Australian unicorns.
The Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) serves as the institutional backbone of the State’s innovation strategy. As a global long-term investor, QIC’s role is to ensure that Queensland-born companies have the capital depth to grow from seed stages through to a Series C+ exit without relocating offshore.
Through its Venture Capital Development Fund (QVCDF) and specialised mandates like the Enterprise Acceleration Fund, QIC is actively injecting capital into sectors critical to the State’s future, including aerospace, climate tech, and digital health. By partnering with leading international VCs, QIC doesn’t just provide funding; it provides the global networks required to take Queensland innovation to the world stage.
If QIC provides the fuel, Advance Queensland is the engine. This comprehensive initiative is the Queensland government’s flagship platform for fostering a robust start-up ecosystem. Advance Queensland’s mission is to diversify the State economy and create high-value knowledge jobs through a suite of grants, hubs, and regional enablers.
As of early 2026, Queensland’s innovation map is anchored by world-class facilities centred across South East Queensland:
Advance Queensland offers a ladder of support for every stage of the founder journey:
While Advance Queensland builds the start-ups, Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ) builds the markets. TIQ is the State’s lead agency for international business, operating a global network of commissioners who assist Queensland firms in securing export contracts and offshore investment.
Programs like the TIQ Market Accelerator Program provide the essential matched funding for SMEs to execute market entry strategies. Whether it’s helping a Brisbane biotech firm enter South East Asia, or a Gold Coast manufacturer land a US defence contract, TIQ ensures that “Made in Queensland” is a recognised mark of quality globally.
To ensure investment readiness, a new cohort of specialised accelerator programs has been deployed to support high-potential sectors:
| Program | Focus Area | Key Benefit | Find Out More |
| 77 Venture Challenge | Frontier Tech (AI, IoT, Robotics) | Strategic partnership with US firm Bee Partners (Silicon Valley). | 77 Partners |
| ASTN | SportsTech | Mentoring for the intersection of sports, business, and technology. | ASTN |
| EnergyLab | Climate & Energy Tech | Australia’s largest network dedicated to reaching Net Zero. | EnergyLab |
| Farmers2Founders | Agtech | Puts producers at the centre of innovation and commercialisation. | Farmers2Founders |
| Fusion Growth Labs | Cyber, Health, Defence, Space | A 12-week intensive program solving real-world industry problems. | Fusion Growth Labs |
| Inductive | Industry Agnostic | Continuous intake customised to meet startups where they stand. | Inductive |
The “Green and Gold Runway” to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics is providing an unprecedented stimulus. The Games are serving as a huge procurement and innovation target, particularly in sustainable infrastructure, sports technology, and global logistics.
However, fast-moving businesses in this ecosystem often struggle with the “regulatory friction” of scaling – this is where advisory firms like Lawnch are playing a critical role.
For innovators, the challenge isn’t just building the product; it’s protecting IP and maximising the available capital. Led by Tammi McDermott and with a dedicated R&D and Grants division, Lawnch has become a vital partner for Queensland start-ups by offering a unique, “no-suits” approach to legal and commercial advisory.
This is being facilitated by:
By providing rapid-response legal insights through a commercial lens, Lawnch enables Queensland businesses to focus on what they do best: disrupting industries and building the future.
In 2026, Queensland is no longer chasing other States; it is setting the pace. Through the combined power of QIC’s capital, Advance Queensland’s strategy, and TIQ’s global reach, the state has built a resilient, inclusive, and world-class innovation hub. As the 2032 Olympics approach, the “Blue and Maroon” ecosystem is ready to shine on the world stage.
The Resources: Where to find the government support and incentives to fuel your expansion, Business Queensland is a good start, as is Advance Queensland.
