South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund (Round 2)

Funding program archive

This page preserves a dated funding-program record and links it to current project-planning guidance.

Publication date: 30 June 2028.

Status note: This archive does not confirm that applications are open, funds remain available or the earlier eligibility and co-funding settings still apply. Verify the current administrator page and guidelines.

What this article reported

The South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund (IEF) is providing funding for capital projects that strengthen innovation precincts, accelerate commercialisation, and create high-value, knowledge-intensive jobs across South East Queensland.

Delivered under the SEQ City Deal, the program supports infrastructure investments that improve the capability of existing innovation precincts and help grow priority industries including advanced manufacturing, energy transformation, agtech, biomedical technologies, defence, aerospace, robotics, artificial intelligence and other emerging technology sectors.

With more than $5.2 million available through Round 2, the program presents a significant opportunity for organisations looking to expand innovation infrastructure, strengthen industry collaboration and support long-term economic growth across the region.

Funding Overview

Applicants can apply for:

Applicants are required to provide a cash co-contribution equal to at least 50% of the grant funding requested.

Who is this for?

State: Queensland

Region: South East Queensland

Eligible locations include:

Industry Sectors:

This opportunity may be suitable for:

Eligibility: You can apply if you:

Previous recipients of Innovation Economy Fund Round 1 funding are not eligible to apply.

What can the funding be used for?

Funding can support:

Projects must be located within an existing innovation precinct and demonstrate how they will increase innovation capability, support commercialisation and contribute to future job creation.

Projects involving energy efficiency upgrades, electrification, renewable energy systems, advanced manufacturing equipment or emissions reduction technologies may also be eligible to generate additional value through applicable certificate schemes and environmental market programs.

Northmore Gordon can assess opportunities under schemes such as energy savings certificates, renewable energy certificates and carbon-related mechanisms to help maximise the financial benefits of the project.

Northmore Gordon can also assist with:

Key Dates

Applications are currently open.

Applicants should refer to the Advance Queensland website for the latest program timelines and closing dates as these may be updated throughout the funding round.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

Projects that demonstrate strong commercialisation pathways, industry partnerships, innovation outcomes and measurable economic benefits are expected to be highly competitive.

Why act now?

This program is focused on investment-ready capital projects that can strengthen South East Queensland's innovation ecosystem and support emerging industries.

Applicants will need to provide detailed project plans, financial information, co-contribution evidence, project budgets, delivery schedules and long-term operational planning as part of the application process.

Early preparation will be important, particularly for projects involving multiple stakeholders, infrastructure delivery, advanced technology deployment or significant capital investment.

Speak with Northmore Gordon

Northmore Gordon can help determine project eligibility, identify suitable project scopes, prepare supporting documentation and develop a competitive application strategy.

We can also assess whether your project may generate additional value through certificate schemes, renewable energy incentives or emissions reduction opportunities, helping maximise the overall return on investment.

Contact Northmore Gordon today to discuss your project and maximise your chances of success under the South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund.

How to use this information now

Before relying on a grant, confirm the current round, applicant and project eligibility, eligible expenditure, co-contribution, assessment process, closing date and evidence obligations. Build the technical case so the project remains understandable with grant support shown separately.

Separate source-reported facts from forecasts, targets and commentary. For a current project, retain the official source, version, effective date, assumptions and decision record in the evidence file.

What is the South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund and what types of projects does it support?

The South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund (IEF) is a Queensland government program providing over $5.2 million in Round 2 funding for capital projects that strengthen innovation precincts, accelerate commercialisation, and create high-value, knowledge-intensive jobs across South East Queensland. Eligible projects include infrastructure upgrades, refurbishments, plant and equipment purchases, technology and research infrastructure, commercialisation facilities, and innovation precinct upgrades. New stages or components of existing innovation projects that can operate independently and deliver measurable innovation outcomes are also eligible. Projects must be located within an existing innovation precinct and completed by 30 June 2028.

What are the financial requirements and application timeline for Round 2?

Round 2 offers grants ranging from a minimum of $500,000 to a maximum of $5,212,840. Applicants must provide a cash co-contribution equal to at least 50% of the grant funding requested, meaning a $1 million grant requires $1 million in co-funding. The closing date for Round 2 is 25 June 2026 at 11AM, and applications are currently open. This timeline requires early engagement to develop robust funding strategies and supporting documentation.

Which organisations are eligible to apply, and what disqualifications apply?

Eligible applicants include local governments, universities, research institutes, statutory bodies, not-for-profit organisations, and eligible private sector entities. Applicants must hold an active ABN and GST registration, have a registered place of business within an eligible South East Queensland local government area, and have been trading for at least 12 months. Importantly, previous recipients of Innovation Economy Fund Round 1 funding are not eligible to apply for Round 2. Applicants must provide the required 50% cash co-contribution and demonstrate the project will contribute to innovation, commercialisation and high-value employment outcomes.

What geographic areas and industry sectors does the fund target?

The fund covers 12 eligible South East Queensland local government areas: Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, and Gold Coast. The fund targets advanced manufacturing, energy transformation, defence and aerospace, biomedical technologies, agriculture and food processing, robotics and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space technologies, agtech, circular economy, sustainable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, and sports technology. Projects must be located within an existing innovation precinct in one of these areas.

What are the key assessment criteria for applications?

Applications are evaluated on five main dimensions: the significance of the project to South East Queensland's innovation economy; ability to create high-value knowledge-intensive employment; applicant capability and project delivery experience; project viability and value for money; long-term sustainability of the innovation precinct; and industry collaboration and economic impact outcomes. These criteria emphasise both immediate project quality and broader economic transformation. Strong applications demonstrate clear pathways to employment outcomes and sustainable innovation ecosystem benefits beyond the funded capital works.

How can Northmore Gordon assist with South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund applications?

We can support multiple stages of the application process. We can assist with project scoping and eligibility assessment, grant strategy and application development, business case preparation aligned with assessment criteria, economic impact and job creation modelling, stakeholder engagement and partnership development, and supporting documentation and project planning. Additionally, we can identify certificate creation and environmental market opportunities—such as energy savings certificates, renewable energy certificates, and carbon-related mechanisms—to maximise financial benefits and strengthen the overall project case, particularly for projects involving infrastructure, manufacturing, or energy transition components.

What investment decision and business case considerations are relevant for this grant?

Applicants should prepare a robust business case demonstrating that the project remains viable regardless of grant approval, while showing how the $500,000 to $5.2 million contribution affects payback and return metrics. Present the project with and without conditional grant support so management understands the decision framework. The 50% co-contribution requirement means the investment decision must be resilient to grant delay or reduction. Distinguish the grant's role from other funding sources and certificate proceeds. Identify the point at which management would need to revisit the project if support is delayed or unavailable, ensuring the operating merits remain visible alongside the funding options.

What practical next steps should an applicant take before the 25 June 2026 deadline?

Applicants should verify their location falls within an eligible South East Queensland local government area and innovation precinct, confirm they are not previous Round 1 recipients, and gather evidence of trading history (minimum 12 months), ABN and GST registration status, and co-contribution capacity. Prepare a project brief documenting the business problem, operational requirements, capital scope, delivery timeline, and intended innovation and employment outcomes. Assemble supporting evidence including feasibility studies, equipment quotes, partnership agreements, and economic impact analysis. Engage with Northmore Gordon early to align the business case with assessment criteria, explore environmental certificate opportunities, and develop the investment case that demonstrates project viability and value.

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