Queensland is globally recognised for its research quality, innovation ecosystem and collaborative research culture supported by cutting-edge infrastructure.
We are addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as the health of our communities and environments, the quality and quantity of food available, clean energy, and sustainable outcomes.
Studying in Queensland provides international students with access to exceptional research opportunities, including world class research centers, Australian research funding, and graduate research options.
Queensland research strengths
For more than a decade Queensland has invested heavily in science infrastructure, research, and its commercialisation. It is a global hub for scientific research and discoveries, and we’re only getting started.
Our ‘Team Queensland’ approach to research supports strong collaboration across our state’s universities and Queensland Government. We also have great natural advantages including our unique biodiversity, which our scientists are drawing on to help solve real world problems including advancements in:
quantum and advanced technologies
medicine
agriculture
food security
energy
environment
Some of our key research centers and facilities include:
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
A world leading institute researching hundreds of diseases and conditions within cancer research, brain and mental health, infection and inflammation, and population health.
The Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy
Offers research to help feed the world sustainably and develop cleaner, greener bioproducts.
The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine
At the forefront of tropical health research.
The Translational Research Institute (TRI)
Australia’s first translational medical research institute and global leader in the effective translation of medical research and scientific discoveries into applications for medical practice.
Queensland's innovation ecosystem
Queensland is widely acknowledged as a global innovation hotspot, and our world-class research and development facilities, universities, and knowledge precincts ensure our state is at the forefront of innovation.
In 2024, Brisbane was named in the top 40 emerging ecosystems for startups in the world. Regional Queensland is also recognised as being home to exceptional talent in the defence, clean agriculture, energy resource and marine industries, as well as emerging industries such as hydrogen, space and renewables.
Looking to the future, Queensland’s comprehensive Innovation for a Future Economy 2022-2032 Roadmap aims to drive a strong, resilient and inclusive economy through innovation.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, Queensland’s innovation and entrepreneurship aspirations are firmly in the spotlight, creating unique opportunities for international students and graduates who choose to start their future with us.
Support for research and innovation in Queensland
Grants and programs
The Queensland Government actively supports and encourages research and innovation in the state. Through the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, a significant variety of grant and other funding programs are available. Find out more by visiting DESI’s website.
In addition to this, a wide range of grants and programs are available in Queensland to support research and innovation.
The Queensland Chief Entrepreneur (QCE)
The Queensland Chief Entrepreneur (QCE) is the first of its kind in Australia. The role of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur is to:
- support the development of Queensland’s startup ecosystem by working with incubators, accelerators and coworking spaces
- connect with regional Queensland to encourage state-wide entrepreneurship
- showcase Queensland entrepreneurial talent to local, national and international audiences
- attract local, national and international investment and venture capital
- support local entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses by connecting them with opportunities, people and spaces to help them grow and create jobs.
Hubs and centers
Find out about Queensland’s innovation precincts and places, where collaboration between researchers, innovators and businesses turn ideas into innovative products and services. This includes:
- Agtech and Logistics Hub
- Queensland AI Hub
- Queensland XR Hub
- The Precinct
Dealroom Queensland
Dealroom Queensland is an innovative online platform to support Queensland’s startup ecosystem. The platform collates and shares data that maps and measures startup and scaleup ecosystems globally.
The platform has two key roles, to facilitate the matching of Queensland-based startups with potential investors, and to act as a dedicated source of publicly sourced real-time data for founders, investors, corporate and policy makers.
Dealroom Queensland also showcases innovation precincts and hubs, universities and research centres and other innovation resources. The platform is constantly updated with real-time data scraped from publicly available sources such as news articles, LinkedIn, company filings and investor portfolios among others.
Investing in Queensland
With a strong focus on building our research and innovation capabilities, Queensland offers astute investors some of the world’s best investment opportunities. From world-class tech start-ups in the middle of the city to massive renewables projects in the Queensland outback, there are many ways investors can choose Queensland to support their investment goals.
Trade and Investment Queensland offers a wide range of support to investors interested in Queensland. Find out more and connect with our team to explore your options.
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