Brisbane’s Tech Ecosystem By the Numbers
Australia
Brisbane
MEMBERS:
Advance Queensland
“Brisbane has developed an innovation-focused biomedical research ecosystem fit for the 21st century, supported by strengthening linkages between leaders in basic science, clinical research, and industry, and by commitment from universities, hospitals, and the Queensland government.”
Highlights
One of the fastest growing tech hubs in Australia, Queensland expects to employ 185,000 tech workers by 2030. State capital Brisbane is one of four Australian digital technology superclusters, and is home to a large number of startups.
Brisbane has been ranked in the top 10% for its innovation environment out of 500 cities worldwide. In 2023, it was named one of the most vibrant ecosystems for attracting international tech talent to Australia. The city’s three universities are all within the top 250 universities in the world, with the University of Queensland ranked #43. As well as the domestic market, Asian markets are easily accessible from a Brisbane base.
Brisbane distinguishes itself from other Australian cities with a range of innovation and entrepreneurial activities. Defense technologies, Cleantech, unmanned aerial systems, Medtech, and Deep Tech are all well represented. This variety is reflected in the region’s startup success stories, which include Edtech platform Go1, advanced machinery maintenance business GreaseBoss, video-editing software provider Clipchamp, needle-free vaccine maker Vaxxas, and Deep Tech-driven flood prediction company FloodMapp. The Queensland Government is an active partner in developing the innovation ecosystem, working closely with industry, other government sectors, and universities to build a strong community that will deliver jobs and business opportunities in the future economy.
Something Fest, Australia’s digital, innovation, and technology festival, will take place in Brisbane in August 2024. The YOW! Tech Leaders Summit Brisbane 2024 will be held in September.
Ecosystem by the Numbers
NUMBER OF UNICORNS
(H2 2021 - 2023)
Sub-Sector Strengths
AI, Big Data & Analytics
Brisbane’s esteemed research institutes include the Queensland University of Technology Centre for Robotics, Griffith University’s Institute for Integrated and Intelligent Systems, the Queensland Immersive Technologies (XR) Hub, and the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub. Canaria Technologies has developed an AI earpiece that monitors vital signs and is set to be trialed for NASA’s 2026 Artemis III moon mission, FloodMapp combines engineering data and AI to protect lives during major flood events, medical device startup Laronix uses AI to enhance its bionic voice technology, and Smartabase provides an optimization platform for sports teams and military organizations.
Life Sciences
Brisbane is home to more than 100 health and Biotech facilities and a globally competitive Life Sciences sector. Brisbane-based companies include medical device manufacturers Cook Medical Australia and Impedimed, voice restoration technology company Laronix, digital cardiac rehabilitation startup Cardihab, and vaccine nanopatch developer Vaxxas. Thermo Fisher Scientific and AcuraBio are based in Brisbane, specializing in manufacturing biotherapeutic products. Sanofi has partnered with the Queensland Government, the University of Queensland, and Griffith University to establish the Translational Science Hub.
Cleantech
The Advance Queensland strategy includes focusing efforts on addressing environmental challenges. Government priorities include a 50% renewable energy target and supporting the development of hydrogen and biofutures industries. Cleantech companies include Vaulta, which produces recyclable, high-performance batteries; renewable-energy microgrid company eleXsys Energy; energy-storage systems company RedEarth; and Circonomy, which repairs, repurposes and resells retail products. In January 2024, Cleantech Group named Plotlogic Company of the Year for the Asia-Pacific region for its strides in sustainable innovation in the Mining Tech sector.
Reasons to Move Your Startup to Brisbane
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland initiative aims to increase the number of female, migrant, regional and rural, and First Nations’ entrepreneurs in the innovation economy and to tackle inequalities. This includes addressing barriers at the youth, startup, scaleup, and global stages. The Accelerating Female Founders Program awarded $1 million to 11 recipients in 2023 to provide practical business development and technical skills programs for 500 female founders and leaders of innovation-driven enterprises.
Forward-Thinking Government
One of the big advantages in moving to Brisbane is the state Government’s intent to make Queensland an innovation powerhouse, drawing on competitive strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biofutures, biomedical, defense, mining equipment, technology and services, the screen industry, Agtech, and quantum and advanced technologies. The government offers a series of funds, fellowships, innovation councils, and strategies to support entrepreneurship.
Key Infrastructure
Brisbane is home to state-of-the art infrastructure including the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, the EcoSciences Precinct, the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the Translational Research Institute, the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub, and the Immersive Technology (XR) Hub. As part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games' legacy, Brisbane is improving cycling and pedestrian infrastructure and encouraging flexible workplaces to contribute to the goal of a 15-minute city.
Selected Startup Organizations
Startup Genome Members
Key Ecosystem Players
Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub (ARM Hub)
News from the Ecosystem
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Delivering a Future Made in Australia with 400 New Technology Jobs in Brisbane
Brisbane-based Fempro Armour looks to minimise sporting injuries among women, hoping to influence rugby across the globe
Queensland government backs 11 programs supporting women founders with $1 million fund
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