Ignite Ideas Fund QLD

Purpose and Program Overview

The Ignite Ideas Fund is a key initiative under Advance Queensland. Its purpose is to support the commercialisation of highly innovative and new products, processes, or services. The program aims to establish Queensland as a major centre for Australian innovation and startups.

The fund’s objectives include strengthening key industries in Queensland, diversifying the state’s economy, and enabling Queensland businesses to compete in domestic and global markets. It also aims to engage and benefit regional Queensland, creating new jobs.

This program plays a role in fast-tracking innovative products and services from the prototype or minimum viable product stage to commercial readiness. It helps businesses tap into new markets and attract further investment.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range:
  • Tier 1: Up to $100,000 (excluding GST).
  • Tier 2: Greater than $100,000 and up to $200,000 (excluding GST).
• Application open and close dates: Applications for Ignite Ideas Fund Round 13 are currently closed. Previous rounds closed in April/June 2025.
• Eligible industries or business types: Queensland-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with high-growth potential.
• Required co-contributions: Yes, a cash contribution is required.
  • Tier 1: At least 20% of the funding sought.
  • Tier 2: An amount equal to the funding sought (1:1 matched funding).
• Location/state/territory applicability: Queensland. Businesses must be headquartered in Queensland.

Priority Sectors

The Ignite Ideas Fund is open to a broad range of innovative industries. The program focuses on supporting businesses that contribute to strengthening key industries and diversifying the Queensland economy.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream:
  • Tier 1: Projects can receive up to $100,000.
  • Tier 2: Projects can receive between $100,001 and $200,000.
• Categories or streams of funding: The fund has two tiers based on the grant amount. It supports projects that commercialise new and innovative products, processes, or services. Successful applicants may also be eligible for business development support through the Ignite+ program.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration:
  • Tier 1 projects: Up to 12 months duration.
  • Tier 2 projects: Up to 24 months duration.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Queensland-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Must have no more than 50 full-time-equivalent employees. Must not be a subsidiary of a group of companies that has more than 50 full-time-equivalent employees in total.
• Registered business location: The business must be headquartered in Queensland and have an ABN registered in Queensland as its principal place of business.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not explicitly detailed, but standard business insurances and compliance are expected.
• ABN/GST status: Must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the time of complete application submission.
• Other requirements:
  • Product, process, or service must be at a minimum viable product (MVP) stage or beyond.
  • Must be a unique product, process, or service with a commercial outcome and growth potential.
  • Must have identified a customer, investor, or industry partner.
  • Cannot have received funding for the proposed project activity from another state, federal, or local government source.
  • Tier 1 applicants must not have previously received an Ignite Ideas Fund grant.
  • Tier 2 applicants who previously received a Tier 1 grant for a different project must have completed that project.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The Ignite Ideas Fund supports activities and expenses directly related to commercialising innovative products or services. Eligible costs may include:

• Salary expenditure for employees (including founders, existing, and new staff) directly contributing to the project (capped at 20% of total project cost).
• Services provided by unrelated, external parties (e.g., testing, design, professional services).
• Legal and intellectual property (IP) costs.
• Consumables used for the project.
• Minor market-driven modifications.
• Industry compliance testing and product validation.
• Small-scale production of prototypes for showcasing and demonstration.
• Third-party technical services support testing and validation.
• Equipment not exceeding $9,000 per item (capped at 10% of total project cost).
• Travel and subsistence costs.
• Planning activities to commercialise the project.
• Attend trade delegations or trade shows as an exhibitor or attendee.
• Specific customer or investor engagement activities.
• Market research and competitor analysis.

Ineligible costs typically include general business operating costs, infrastructure, and R&D activities with no commercial outcomes.

Assessment Process

The Ignite Ideas Fund is a competitive grant program. A judging panel assesses applications.

Key evaluation criteria include:

• Innovation and market potential: The uniqueness and growth potential of the project.
• Project feasibility: The project’s plan, budget, timeframes, and identified risks.
• Technical and management capability: The applicant’s ability to deliver the project, including evidence of prior projects and identified partners.
• Anticipated outcomes for Queensland: Benefits to the business, creation of high-value jobs, and broader economic and knowledge-based benefits for the state.

Recent Program Updates

Applications for Ignite Ideas Fund Round 13 are currently closed. New funding rounds are periodically announced. Businesses should monitor the official Advance Queensland website for future opportunities. Successful applicants to the Ignite Ideas Fund may also gain eligibility for the Ignite+ business development support program.

Application Tips

Consider these points for your application:

• Double-check all eligibility criteria for the specific round to ensure you meet the requirements.
• Ensure your product or service is at or beyond the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage.
• Clearly articulate the innovation and market potential of your project.
• Provide a detailed project plan, budget, and demonstrate your cash co-contribution.
• Highlight how your project will create new jobs and contribute to Queensland’s economy.
• Engaging an accredited government grants consultant can increase your chances of success.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.