Brisbane anchors a globally-significant innovation corridor stretching from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast, underpinned by world-class research institutions, supportive government policies, established innovation precincts and hubs, and a culture of genuine collaboration. This connected ecosystem is driving Queensland’s transition into a new era of more jobs, prosperous regions and industries, increased investment, and solving challenges.
Brisbane’s strategic location within South East Queensland is reinforced by the ongoing international terminal expansion at Brisbane Airport, freight and industrial precinct growth at the Port of Brisbane, and transport infrastructure upgrades linked to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Together, these investments strengthen the region’s connectivity to Asia-Pacific markets and enhance its role as a key gateway for trade, logistics, and cross-border expansion.
Brisbane’s ecosystem is bolstered by strong government initiatives that channel strategic funding into innovation and supporting entrepreneurial culture. Significant investment continues to drive the growth of innovation precincts, and hubs across the region are providing collaborative spaces to foster growth and commercialization opportunities. In 2025, Healthtech startup Five Faces raised a $709,000 Series A with support from the Queensland Government’s Female Founders Co-Investment Fund.
The ecosystem is further strengthened by institutional investor Queensland Investment Corporation, regional investment bodies like Invest Gold Coast, entrepreneurial catalysts such as UQ Ventures, dedicated innovation precincts and enablers, global-scale quantum leadership anchored by PsiQuantum’s $1 billion project, and advanced digital infrastructure including the NEXTDC SC1 cable landing station.
Lifestyle and stability are key advantages, with an exceptional quality of life and a business-friendly environment attracting top talent. Brisbane hosted Something Tech ’25 in August, convening 560+ startup founders, investors, and industry leaders, serving as a strategic platform to connect early-stage ventures with VC and experienced mentors to support their expansion.
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Highlights
Ecosystem by the Numbers
ECOSYSTEM VALUE
ECOSYSTEM VALUE GROWTH
AI-Native Ecosystem Value
AI-Native Ecosystem Value Growth
EARLY-STAGE FUNDING GROWTH
AI-Native Early Stage Funding Growth
TOTAL VC FUNDING
TOTAL EARLY–STAGE FUNDING
EXIT AMOUNT
EXIT COUNT (#)
TIME TO EXIT
NUMBER OF UNICORNS
MEDIAN SEED ROUND
Median Series A Round
Top Funded Startups
SOFT. ENGINEER SALARY
Sub-Sector Strengths
Brisbane is cementing its role as a leader in Aerospace and space innovation, driving breakthroughs in autonomous systems, Robotics, AI, and hypersonic technology. The region boasts capabilities in satellite launch services and lunar exploration, with companies like Gilmour Space, which raised a $146 million Series E in early 2026, and Hypersonix Launch Systems, which raised a $46 million Series A in 2025, spearheading Australia’s space industry. Emerging collaborations in space robotics and propulsion systems have positioned Brisbane as a critical hub for global space commercialization.
Brisbane’s Cleantech sector is rapidly expanding, supported by strong talent, government initiatives, and significant investment of $78 million amid a volatile national market. The sector intersects with digital, data-driven, and smart Agtech, revolutionizing agriculture and food production. Brisbane’s new ENTRI biomanufacturing hub has secured global healthcare company Sanofi as its first tenant, marking a significant milestone in building a complete translational research and advanced manufacturing ecosystem that strengthens Queensland’s biomedical sector while aligning with the state’s broader clean energy and sustainable industry ambitions.
Brisbane’s Sportstech sector is earning global attention ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a unique opportunity to showcase local sports and entertainment innovation capabilities. Startups are creating solutions for fan engagement, immersive broadcasting, smart logistics, and sustainable event management. Partnerships with major sporting bodies and investment in extended reality technologies are driving a new wave of innovation that will position Brisbane as a global sports technology hub.
Selected Startup Organizations
Startup Genome Members
The Queensland Government – Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation continues to advance a coordinated innovation agenda designed to accelerate startup formation and scaleup growth across the state. It delivers targeted grants, investment attraction programs, and commercialization support that connects scientists, researchers, and founders to global markets. In 2025, it reaffirmed funding commitments to priority sectors, including Biomedical, Clean Energy, and Digital Technologies, strengthening clear pathways from research to market. By aligning policy, capital, and international engagement, the Queensland Government is building a globally-connected, resilient innovation ecosystem for the state.
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If you are interested in working with us to drive global attention to your ecosystem, please get in touch with Marina Krizman, Director of Business Development.