Innovation, research and development in Queensland

In this guide:

Benefits of doing business in Queensland

Queensland has been recognised by the World Bank as a global innovation hot spot. Our investment in high-end research capacity has seen some of the world's best scientists and researchers attracted to Queensland.

Queensland is the home of the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil. This drug was developed by former Queenslander of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer, Clinical Immunologist. Professor Frazer is the founder and leader of the University of Queensland's Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research.

Innovative research and development (R&D) efforts in Queensland

Bioenergy Research Pty Ltd (BER) - BER has teamed up with The University of Queensland's ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research (CILR) to identify and develop commercially viable genetic strains of the pongamia tree in Australia. The pongamia tree could be the environmentally-friendly, low cost answer to our reliance on petrochemical-based fuels.
Boeing Research and Technology Australia - established in 2008 under the name Phantom Works, this Boeing R&D branch concentrates on several major research programs including advanced composites, light robotics, Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs) and ageing aircraft technologies.
Eco-kinetics - solar manufacturing company Eco-Kinetics has established a manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast, the first of its kind in Australia. The facility will assemble photovoltaic modules and manufacture mounting kits.
MBD Energy Ltd - MBD Energy is collaborating with James Cook University Townsville to establish the first algae-to-biodiesel pilot plant using algae photo-reaction technology. The 1 hectare proof of concept pilot plant has the potential to capture up to 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, and has been supported through a $1 million 2010 Smart Futures Fund grant.

Technology, research and innovation in Queensland

Queensland has become a hub of research and innovation, making it one of the easiest places to do business in Australia. As a business owner or investor in Queensland, you are encouraged to undertake research and development (R&D) and innovation activities, and can access a range of support services at every stage of the innovation process. Find out about the support services available for science and research in Queensland, including Smart Futures Fund grants and international science partnerships. There is also significant support for businesses wanting to take their idea to market. Support for commercialisation includes access to technology incubators, technology parks and a range of services provided by the Australian Institute for Commercialisation.

Since 1998, the Queensland Government has invested $3.6 billion in R&D and innovation, supporting 40 new research institutes and more than 300 research-related projects, scholarships and fellowships. This has led to the number of scientists in Queensland growing to over 19,800 in the past decade. Among these are world-class researchers in fields such as translational therapies and neuroscience who have established cutting-edge research clusters in Queensland.

Queensland research organisations

Queensland is home to many world-class research organisations, including:

Support for business innovation

There is continuing support for innovation and business growth in Queensland, with the Queensland Government investing in research infrastructure, business innovation and science talent to ensure Queensland stays at the forefront of high-end research.

The Queensland Government also aims to increase by 50% the number of businesses undertaking R&D or innovation by 2020.

Find out about Queensland's R&D Investment Strategy 2010-2020 from the Office of the Chief Scientist.